Quinton Fortune will be available for South Africa for the Nations Cup in January, according to his agent.
Colin Gie confirmed that Fortune would put himself forward for selection despite earlier indications to the contrary.
Following an international friendly against Egypt in Johannesburg earlier this month, the midfielder said Manchester United would not agree to him taking four weeks off in the middle of the Premiership.
He said if he insisted on going to Mali it would jeopardise his chances of more appearances in the first team.
Fortune is now having more opportunities to play and on Tuesday night started for United against Bayern Munich in the European Champions League.
But Gie says Fortune needs to turn out for South Africa to ensure
that he meets work permit requirements.
Tough rules
Players from outside the European Union have to have played 75% of their countries` international matches over the past two years to be eligible to work in the UK.
South African striker Benni McCarthy was unable to sign for Middlesbrough in September for failing to meet the requirements.
Fortune`s contract with United expires at the end of this season, but he has been on the transfer list since May.
His efforts to impress the club appear to have failed and his desire to put United before his country has waned.
Gie says he needs to play more international matches if he wants to keep on playing in the Premiership where he will be available on a free transfer from June.
