Reo-Coker, a former England U-21 captain, is struggling to become a senior international for the Three Lions, even though he was in contention a few years ago.

"From what I've heard from his agent, I'm confident that Reo will honor our invitation to play for his country of origin," said Sierra Leone FA official Abdul Rahman Swarray.

"We need a player like him to boost our team."

Sierra Leone, who only made two Nations Cup appearances before, earned a vital point from African champions Egypt in a 1-1 draw in Cairo this month.