PER Frandsen has generously shared the credit for his international recall with his new boss.

The Burnden midfield star, who is expected to win his fourth cap on Saturday when Denmark play World Cup hosts France in a Copenhagen friendly, insists on sharing the credit with Colin Todd.

"He has helped me a lot," says the Viking Wanderer.

"He has helped me get back there, that's for sure, and I appreciate what he has done for me."

No-one could possibly ignore the international quality of Frandsen's performances in the 19 games he has played since accompanying Michael Johansen in a joint transfer from FC Compenhagen that has made Wanderers the envy of most clubs in the top two divisions in England. But Todd had to use every ounce of his persuasive powers to get new Danish boss Bo Johansson to see it for himself.

Johansson needed just one game - the 3-3 draw at Charlton - to agree that the Bolton man had just what it takes to play the attacking midfield role in his 4-4-2 formation, Ironically, Frandsen was nowhere near his best that day.

Now, three years after his last international appearance, the Burnden favourite is determined to make the most of a heaven sent opportunity. A decent performance against the French should establish him in Denmark's World Cup qualifying squad, who already have two wins out of two group games, confirming their status as one of the favourites for a place in the 1998 Finals.

Having been a regular member of the Danish squad up to last year and knowing most of the French players from his three-year spell with Lille, Frandsen will at least be in familar company when he makes his comeback.

He relishes the challenge and is looking forward to a happy return but he refuses to be sidetracked. "It's always nice to be called up," he acknowledged. "It shows that you're playing well for your club. It's very nice.

"But I haven't been thinking about it. I've just concentrated on doing well here for Bolton. I always said that was the important thing for me. I just thought if I played well here I might have a chance.

"Maybe I will start the game. That would be nice but I don't know yet whether I will or not.

"It's just good to be back."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.