USA U20 head coach Tab Ramos was delighted to have finally confirmed the capture of Gedion Zelalem.

The 18-year old Arsenal midfielder, who was born in Germany to Ethiopian parents, is now eligible to represent the US after FIFA allowed him permission to do so on Wednesday.

Zelalem has immediately been called up to America's team for the FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand which prompted a positive reaction from Ramos.

"I think it means a lot," Ramos said.

"He's certainly someone we want to have involved with our program, someone that (US boss) Jurgen (Klinsmann) has already spoken about, so I think this would be a good introduction for him."

Ramos added: "This has been a long process.

"I just kept the door open in case it did [happen], but we were literally down to the last day for us. Because we travel [Thursday night] to Australia, so we wanted to make sure that we were all set with the group.

"I just think we see it as a good opportunity to include him in our program and so that he can be with us into the future."

The US have been drawn alongside hosts New Zealand, Ukraine and Myanmar in Group A.