GREAT Wakering Rovers goalkeeper Luis Shamshoum will take to the field at Wembley this weekend with the people of Palestine still firmly in his heart.

Shamshoum will become the first Palestinian player to line up at the home of English football when he starts for Rovers against Romford in Saturday’s FA Vase final.

And the 21-year-old, who has earned three international call-ups, has been deeply affected by the ongoing conflict with Israel which has killed close to 34,000 Palestines.

“It’s shocking and no humans should be going through what they have been through,” said Shamshoum.

“Two of my team-mates from national team squads I’ve been in have had their homes destroyed in Gaza and one team-mate from my first call up has been in prison for four years for throwing stones with no charge.

“My assistant manager was killed in an airstrike and it’s just horrible.

“They’re innocent people who don’t deserve this.”

Shamshoum qualifies to play for Palestine through his grandfather Nofal.

And the shot-stopper remains proud of his family’s roots.

“I dedicated the Vase semi-final win to them and held the Palestine flag in the celebrations to show I’m still thinking of them even though I’m all the way over here,” said Shamshoum.

“I can’t do much but I have them in my hearts and always think of them too.”

Shamshoum regularly shows support for Palestine on social media.

And he is hoping Wakering’s run to Wembley can also result in him making his international debut.

“I’m hoping it can spark another international call up for me,” said Shamshoum.

“I’ve had three call ups so far.

“One was for the West Asian Cup, one was the Asian Cup qualifiers under 23s and one was a friendly.

“It was a while ago now and, with everything going on, it’s been difficult.

“But I’m going to be the first Palestinian player to play at Wembley and I’d love to get the chance to play for them too.

“It would really mean a lot to me and my family.”

Shamshoum’s family will be at Wembley in big numbers for the final, including his grandad who now lives in Hadleigh.

And he also suffered his own difficulties in Palestine.

“My grandad was born in Nazareth in 1946 and in 1948 the creation of Israel began, “said Shamshoum.

“In Nazareth my great grandparents were forcibly removed from their house and refuged to Lebanon.

“My grandad is 78 now and doesn’t have the right to return to his home.

“It’s so sad but he will be there at the weekend.

“In fact, I have so many friends and family coming I think they have their own row!”