Mads Andersen is hoping his improved form with Barnsley will lead to his first call-up for the Denmark national team.
The 22-year-old centre-back has been an ever-present so far for the Reds this season, and has been one of their best players since lockdown after an up and down start to his Oakwell career.
Andersen, who recently played his 50th game for the club, told the Chronicle: “I definitely want to get a call-up.
“My agent has talked to them. I haven’t been called up so far but I am working my a** off and it will happen.
“They have Championship players in their squad.
“I am pleased with my performances this season.
“I feel I am more experienced now and I can help players on the pitch and take responsibility. I am happy to play 50 games for the club.”
Andersen is now working under new head coach Valerien Ismael who was a centre-back when he played, for the likes of Bayern Munich.
“I am 100 per cent looking forward to learning from him.
“It’s definitely something I want to do, because he has the experience at a high level.
“It is extra exciting for me.
“It has been a team thing in the first weeks in training but I am sure we will have our talks.
“He is a coach with a lot of energy, I feel his energy and emotion on the pitch and his passion in the changing room.
“I can feel he loves the game.”
Andersen has been at Oakwell for less than a season and a quarter but has already worked under three head coaches as well as caretaker Adam Murray.
“It’s been a learning process.
“I have never tried it before, but I think I have adapted very well.
“I just focus on what I can focus on and that’s myself and working hard.”
Andersen has enjoyed playing on the left of a back three alongside Michal Helik and Michael Sollbauer, recently moving from the centre.
“We have a good connection and communication on and off the pitch.
“I like playing in a three, I am confident in it.
“I have played four at the back my whole career but I like the back three.
“Playing on the left is a little bit different to playing in the centre, but it is not a big problem for me.
“It is like playing as a left centre-back in a back four, you dribble with the ball out from the back on your left foot.”
