Cedric Itten was delighted to have received a recall to the Switzerland squad, ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in the days ahead.
The 24-year old has seemingly benefitted from an increased profile, closer to home, in the Bundesliga where he is currently plying his trade with Greuther Furth.
Itten has already made an impact in Bavaria, thanks to his headed strike against Bayern Munich, after coming on as a late sub in that game.
He is still vying for his first competitive start, with the club anchored at the bottom of the German top tier.
For now, international matters come to the fore, with the Swiss set to face Northern Ireland and Lithuania.
The Basel-born striker is delighted to have the opportunity to be able to pull on the Nati shirt once again and he told Swiss outlet SRF:
“I was very happy to see the boys again. It is a great honor to be part of this – I enjoy it.”
Itten then alluded to his Ibrox experience and the rough and tumble of the Scottish game, which could could pay off against Northern Ireland, with Ian Baraclough’s side playing a similar style:
“It’s a lot harder there but I learned to counter it. “
Decisions
Swiss boss Murat Yakin also gave a call-up to Celtic striker Albian Ajeti and stated that the experiences of both players was in his thinking for the clash against NI in Geneva.
He said, “They have shown that they can score goals, that they are physical players and that they know the team.”
“Both of them are also familiar with the Irish way of playing and can help us – maybe also in a joker role.”.
For Cedric Itten, he will be well aware that he is playing to stay in the thoughts and plans of Steven Gerrard but this comes with a dilemma.
Playing in Scotland, although not first choice, gives him the chance of European football and competing for honours.
On the other hand, playing for a lesser club like Furth in the Bundesliga adds to his profile and prominence as evidenced by his quick recall for the national team.
That will have an impact on the future of the Swiss in what will be a pivotal season for his career after a stop-start first season in Glasgow.