Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has revealed the real reasons behind Wrexham defender Zak Vyner's continued absence from the Kenya squad.Despite being eligible to represent the country ,and having received his first call-up more than a year ago, the defender is yet to make an official appearance for the national team.##NAJAVA_MECA_9980414##Vyner, born in London to a Kenyan father and English mother, first earned a Harambee Stars call-up under then-coach Engin Firat in June 2024, when he was named in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast.He was unable to feature in that window as the documentation required for him to play for Kenya was not ready in time. He was later dropped from the squad altogether as the delay dragged on.Since taking charge, the South African tactician has recalled the defender twice, most recently naming him among the newcomers in his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Series in Kigali.Yet more than a year on, Vyner remains uncapped. Speaking to Mozzart Sport at a Nairobi hotel, the gaffer explained that the issue now goes beyond paperwork."His last experience in Kenya with coach Engin Firat was not a good experience," he said."Ever since that, all my attempts have failed. I have spoken to the player, we have gone together with the team manager, we have gone to England and Wrexham to see the player, and even used my status, you know whom I am, but it did not work."STARS ABROAD: Vyner endures heavy Wrexham defeat as Ouma remains sidelined in PolandHe explained that the setback the defender went through has left a lasting impression, despite the regard he holds for the player's ability."Because of the experience they had (Harambee Stars prospects), they were traumatised. They are good players that I would love to have," he said.The former Manchester United attack coach believes Vyner's experience could benefit the rest of the squad. He says the door remains open even as the defender continues to hold back."Because of the experience he has, the players here will learn from him. Unfortunately, it is a process because the player does not want to come to the national team," he said.McCarthy cries foul after going months without salary at Harambee StarsHe closed by admitting the situation remains largely out of his hands, but insisted the offer to the defender still stands."So our attempts fall short, but we keep trying because he is a player worth trying for. I think the structure he can bring to this team is huge, but unfortunately he does not want to commit, and there is nothing we can do about it. With my team, we just give him time," he said.##NAJAVA_MECA_9981523##