Omar Salgado has gotten clearance from FIFA to take the field for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who made the Texan teen the first overall selection in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft.

By FIFA rules, Salgado was technically prohibited from playing until his 18th birthday on Sept. 18. FIFA rules forbid players under 18 from moving to a pro club outside their country but it apparently made an exception for Salgado as his team competes in a U.S. league.

“I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to my club on the field and I will continue working hard, so that I am ready when that day comes.” said Salgado.

The 6-foot-4 striker is currently in camp with the United States U-20 national team as it prepares for the 2011 Concacaf U-20 Championship, which takes place March 28 to April 10 in Guatemala and will determine the four nations that will participate in this summer’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.

"Omar is a great talent and will be an important player to the club," said Whitecaps FC head coach Teitur Thordarson. "To have the news that he will be able to play from this point on is great for us, as Omar has already showed us that he can play on this level. I'm delighted for him and the club.