Former loan bhoy gets his international chance

John Guidetti is ready to take the step up from u-21 to full international football.

The striker is expected to start tonight’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Moldova after becoming a national hero during the summer as Sweden lifted the u-21 equivalent.

On Friday night Guidetti was given 30 minutes in the 2-0 win away to Lichtenstein with an injury to Marcus Berg giving the former Celt the opportunity to play alongside hoops mad Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“It was fantastic to hear the fans chanting my name on Friday night, hopefully I can give them something back if I play against Moldova,” the striker said.

“Any time playing for your country is special, it’s something that I look forward to. When you get the chance you have to work hard and make the most of every minute.

“I’ve had a fantastic last six months, winning the European Championships with the u-21 side was great and I’m playing in a great league.

“Vincent Kompany told me that it took him two years to fully get over a serious injury, to get back to 100% fitness. I’ve been fit now for two years and understand what he was saying. Everything feels comfortable, my body is right and my touch is where it should be.”

Guidetti’s exploits during the summer on u-21 duty earned him seventh place in a recent poll of Sweden’s most famous sportsmen.

Ibrahimovic was the runaway winner but there were no other footballers ahead of Guidetti who has been the big hope for a number of years.

Sweden are destined for a play-off spot unless Montenegro pull off an unlikely win in Russia but playing a full international on home soil will be a special moment for the Celta Vigo striker.

“I’ll take 30 tickets for the match,” Guidetti added. “I regret not playing at the Rasunda Stadium but getting out there at the Friends Arena will be great.

“I have a good relationship with the fans and would like to give them something back for the support they give me.”