Shana Haji
Shana Haji (, born Shahnam Hajmollah Ahmad Naraji June 15, 1988 in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England) is a British-Iranian football player who has played for Hibernian F.C. in Scottish Premier League.
Club career
Youth teams
Haji began his footballing career at the Iranian champions Esteghlal where he came through the ranks. His talent was noticed by Spanish club Real Zaragoza where he spent one year with the youth team of the La Liga giants.
Haji was offered a contract by Norwegian Premier League club Tromsø after impressing in a four-day trial. Haji however returned to Tehran to see out the remainder of his contract with Esteghlal.
Hibernian
On March 14, 2007 Haji signed a contract with Hibernian F.C. in the Scottish Premier League on a deal that kept him at Easter Road until the end of the 06/07 Season.
International career
Haji has represented Iran at U17 and U20 level, he has 6 caps for the Iran under-20 national football team.
References
- Exclusive interview with Shana Haji by Afshin Dastafshan (April 2007): http://www.footballmedia.net/articles.asp?id=1422
Trivia
- Shana is the younger brother of fellow footballer Sharu Naraji who currently plays for Sheffield United F.C..
- Haji is the first Iranian to be signed by a Scottish Premier League club.
- Haji's birth surname Hajmollah Ahmad Naraji was shortened by him to Haji.