HENRIK Pedersen has been told to book another World Cup date in his diary, despite managing just 11 minutes of action on his international comeback.
The Wanderers front man had no chance to make an impact as Denmark were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Ukraine in Copenhagen last Saturday.
But he was told he will be involved again next month when the Danes continue their qualifying quest with games away to Albania and at home to Turkey.
"It's always difficult when you go on for just the last 10 minutes," Pedersen said. "Ukraine were playing so deep with 10 men in their own penalty box and there was no space for any running.
"We didn't play very well on the day, but it was a great experience playing with the best in Denmark again.
"It's been four years since I played my first international and getting in this time was a nice surprise.
"I was pleased when the assistant coach told me I was among the three best strikers in Denmark at the moment ... with only a month to the next game, I think I could be in the squad again."
Unfortunately, Pedersen will have nothing to show for his second international appearance, other than a place in the record books.
"We don't have caps like they do in England," he said. "We get a pin inscribed with the date and the details of the game when we play our first international, but after that we just get plaques for 25, 50 and 100 internationals."
Nothing can dent the dashing Dane's enthusiasm though. Back in the international fold -- and riding high in the Premiership's form statistics -- after making an impressive start to the season, life could not be sweeter for the hard-working 29-year-old.
"I feel good," he said. "There's been some big moments in my career, but this is one of the better ones. It's been a good start for the team and for me, and being selected for the national team has been a real bonus."
Pedersen does not believe he is necessarily playing any better this season than last, although his three goals in four games suggests his finishing has improved.
"It's all about confidence," he added. "Sometimes shots go in, sometimes they don't."
Goals apart, Pedersen's biggest contribution was the assist that laid on the Kevin Davies match-winner against Liverpool two weeks ago -- a reward for some hard work on the training ground.
"It's all about getting behind the defence in the wide position," he said. "The gaffer says we have to put the ball to the far post, but this one was just between the defence and the goalkeeper.
"Stelios did a good job pressing at the near post and that was why Kevin was alone at the back and had time to hit his shot.
"We do a lot of work getting into those wide positions, and it paid off."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article