Albion prospect Viktor Gyokeres is set for a first senior international start – after taking one of his Sweden bosses by surprise.
Gyokeres will be in the XI to face Iceland tomorrow after coming off the bench in a 1-0 defeat to Finland.
The Swedes are in Qatar for a winter training camp and Gyokeres has caught the eye.
He linked up with what is a below-strength squad after his brief Albion debut as a substitute in their FA Cup win at Bournemouth on Saturday.
Gyokeres has joined the best players from Sweden’s domestic league and is taking his chance to impress.
He went on as one of two attacking subs against Finland and was one of his team’s best players.
Sweden plan to start him in their second friendly of the trip.
Gyokeres said: “It was really fun to play but too bad that we lost.
“We should have scored at least one goal in the second half.”
National team boss Janne Andersson revealed “I talked to Brighton’s coach (Chris Hughton) and he told me that Viktor has made great progress.
“He is a different striker and it is very nice to see. He is strong and direct.
“He can create space and is very interesting. He is very good.”
Sweden assistant boss Peter Wettergren admitted Gyokeres had caught him unawares.
He said: “I was surprised. Viktor was very good. I like him a lot.
“I like power forwards and Viktor is really strong, has a good touch and a good pace.”
Gyokeres missed Albion under-23s’ 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Monday, in which Danish wideman Anders Dreyer scored a 50-yard solo goal which has gone viral on social media.
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