Andy Yiadom is delighted to be called up for Ghana, but Barnsley fear he and Sam Morsy may miss a large part of early 2017 to play in the African Nations Cup.

The 24-year-old defender, from London but with Ghanaian heritage, is in the squad for an away World Cup qualifier on Sunday against Egypt, who have used Yiadom's Oakwell colleague Morsy this season.

Yiadom says there has been 'a bit of banter' between the two players but head coach Paul Heckingbottom is more concerned that he could be without them for the tournament which runs from January 14 to February 5 in Gabon.

The Reds boss told the Chronicle: "They are two players who have been starting every week for us recently and we could lose them for five or six weeks which would be absolutely vital. But it's the equivalent of an England player going to the Euros and it shows the calibre of players we have recruited."

Yiadom, who signed from League Two Barnet in the summer, was thrilled with the call-up. He told the Chronicle: "It's a big honour and it goes to show just how hard I am working and how hard the team is working because, without the team, I wouldn't be in the position that I am in.

"No disrespect, but if I was in League Two I probably wouldn't have the opportunity to play for Ghana.  Coming to Barnsley in the Championship and performing well has given me that opportunity.  I feel very privileged to be called up."

Yiadom has played in all but two of Barnsley's 16 Championship games this season. He has recently received praise for his performances at left-back, despite spending most of his career on the right.

Yiadom said: "I just get on with it and try to improve in games and in training to help me in that position. "I am really enjoying playing week in, week out.

"I just want to carry on putting in good performances and getting good results. It's a big step up to the Championship but you have to get on with it. We're doing well in the league but we just look at it as catching up with the team in front of us."