Aston Villa's Barry Bannan calls Scotland call-up 'unbelievable'

12 November 2010 01:21
Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan has labelled his first call-up to Scotland's senior squad for next week's friendly against the Faroe Islands as 'unbelievable'.[LNB]It caps a stunning rise for Bannan, 20, who only made his first Premier League start for Villa against Fulham last weekend.[LNB]He said: 'I was not expecting to play for my country again for a while after the Under 21s got knocked out of the play-offs for the European Championships.[LNB]'So for a call-up to Scotland's first-team to come along so quick has been a big boost for me and I have got to say that it is unbelievable.[LNB]'I have been aiming towards this since I was younger and to get it this  early is a big achievement for me.[LNB]'I am really happy to be able to represent my country at first team level.'[LNB] Call up: Bannan (left)[LNB]Bannan, who has made 10 under-21 appearances, struggled to make an impact  at Villa when Martin O'Neill was in charge.[LNB]But he is now a key man in the plans of new manager Gerard Houllier and admits that the chances he has been given by the former Liverpool boss has been the key to his call-up from Craig Levein.[LNB]He added: 'That is how you get there in the first place - by putting in  performances for your club.[LNB]'I have had a good run in the team recently and long may it continue.'[LNB] Aston Villa 3 Blackpool 2: Holloway threatens to quit if Seasiders are finedEvra faces anxious wait to make Villa trip as Man United injury list growsASTON VILLA FC

Source: Daily_Mail