Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones has been cleared to play international football for the USA after FIFA approved his switch from Germany.

The 27-year-old announced in June he was turning his back on Germany, frustrated at his lack of opportunities under coach Joachim Low.

He has made three appearances for Germany but since all three of his caps came in friendly matches, he is still permitted to represent another nation. As well as holding German citizenship, Jones also has a US passport.

The United States Soccer Federation confirmed on their website that FIFA have now approved the Jones' switch in allegiance.

The midfielder will now look to win a place in the USA squad for next summer's World Cup in South Africa when he returns from a broken shin which has prevented him from appearing in the Bundesliga so far this season.