Ash ready to Alp out Austrians
ASHLEY BARNES’ hopes of a call-up by Austria have received a boost.
Austria head coach Franco Foda saw the striker score in Burnley’s 3-0 win at West Ham on Saturday.
Barnes, 28, qualifies through his grandmother and played for Austria Under-20s in 2008.
Foda said: “It was very important for me to see him live to judge his competitive quality.
“Me and my staff were impressed. He can use either foot, physically he is very present and makes a lot of good runs.
“He is also involved in every single offensive play. What can I say – he is a very good striker.
“There are many other details. Is he eligible to play for Austria? When can I involve him in my plans? We will see what the next weeks bring.
“Of course I speak to people about Barnes. There are several Austrian players in the Premier League and the feedback was positive.”
Austria missed out on the World Cup, but have friendlies coming up against Slovenia and Luxembourg. That will be too soon for Barnes, who needs an Austrian passport to be selected.