Adnan Januzaj could face some initial resentment from his new Belgium team-mates after Kevin Mirallas broke ranks and urged manager Marc Wilmots not to take him to the World Cup.

After months of uncertainty over his international future, with Belgium, England, Kosovo, Albania, Serbia and Turkey all waiting for an answer, the Manchester United winger contacted Wilmots to tell him he wanted to play for the country of his birth.

An elated Wilmots welcomed him with open arms, and it was assumed he would walk into Belgium’s squad for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

We don't want him! Kevin Mirallas has urged Belgium manager Marc Wilmots not to pick Adnan Januzaj

Choice: Januzaj is eligible to play for Albiania, Kosovo and England but has chosen Belgium

But Mirallas has warned of simmering unrest among others in Wilmots’ star-studded squad if he does include the talented youngster at the expense of someone who has been involved throughout the qualifying campaign.

‘There was a lot of pressure on him to make his mind up, and it is good for Belgium that he has chosen us, because he is a good player,’ said the Everton winger.

‘But I don’t think he should go to Brazil. It would not be fair to leave out another good player for someone who does not know the others and has not played a lot for his club in recent months.

‘Adnan does not know the group, and the fact is, he has not had much game time at Manchester United lately. It’s not as if we are short of good players in that area of the team. In fact, there are a lot of good players in his position in the Belgium squad, so it is going to be difficult for him.

‘He has yet to prove at United that he can be their number one asset in his particular position. I think for him, the European Championships in 2016 would be a more realistic target.’

There were doubts over Mirallas’ availability for the World Cup after a recent injury for Everton, but tests in Brussels have convinced him and Wilmots that he will be fit in time.

Delighted: Wilmots was thrilled that Januzaj chose Belgium as his international side going forward

Potential: Januzaj has played 31 times for United this term, scoring four goals

Holding out: Roy Hodgson was hoping Januzaj would wait and play for England at the age of 23

Happy as we are: Mirallas believes the Belgium team already has enough quality to perform at the World Cup