EZEQUIEL SCHELOTTO has revealed he could have been a FOURTH Albion player at this month’s World Cup.

The right-back says he was contacted by coaching staff with Argentina in March.

But he was unable to break into Jorge Sampaoli’s squad and ultimately lost his spot in the Seagulls’ first choice XI as they secured safety.

Schelotto, who left Argentina at the age of 17 to sign for Cesena, has played age group football for Italy but was cleared by FIFA to represent Argentina at senior level should the call come.

He told the Tarde Redonda television programme on Fox Sports in Argentina: “I never saw Sampaoli but I heard from his staff.

“They told me they were following me, although I knew it was difficult because they had already built a team.”

Coaching staff are likely to have been alerted by Schelotto’s run of ten successive Premier League starts after coming into the side for skipper Bruno in late January.

He lost his place after the the chaotic 3-2 defeat at Crystal Palace.

Schelotto added: “You’ve got to support the 23 chosen by Sampaoli.

“I’m just one more fan of the national team.”

Albion are being represented by Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, Colombia winger Jose Izquierdo and Nigeria defender Leon Balogun at the World Cup.