JON Dadi Bodvarsson is “excited” by the prospect of facing Spain in a friendly tonight before heading back for a derby day at Wanderers.

The Icelandic striker hopes to add a 64th cap for his country in the Estadio Riazor, home of Deportivo la Coruna, in what has been a successful international break so far.

Bodvarsson created an equalising goal for Birkir Bjarnasson in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Finland and is now looking forward to facing the former world and European champions.

"It is good to have these practice games to click together better as a team,” said the Bolton front man, who will be back in the camp by Thursday to prepare for the Wigan game. “We have discussed a lot what we can improve.

“The Spaniards are very strong and it is good to get such a test. This is exciting.”

Icelandic football is undergoing a transitional period with many of the players who played alongside Bodvarsson at the 2016 Euros and 2018 World Cup finals now giving way to the next generation.

Qualification for this winter’s World Cup in Qatar went badly, with Iceland finishing fifth in a six-team group which also included North Macedonia, Romania and Germany.

“It is different,” Bodvarsson said. “The team has changed a lot and there are certain generational changes going on.

“There are young players who need to show that they are serious about this.

“The Icelandic nation has exciting talents. It is important for everyone to know that age is not everything.

“We are developing the team and it always takes some time. At the same time, we want to achieve results as soon as possible.”

Bodvarsson has been a part of the squad for a decade, making his debut in November 2012 as a substitute against Andorra.

And though ex-Aston Villa midfielder Bjarnasson is currently captain of the side, he would love the opportunity to lead his country out in the future.

“It is not my priority,” he said. “But if the opportunity arises I would gladly accept it.

“It is everyone's dream to be the captain of the Icelandic national team.

“We have Birkir Bjarni, who is a tough leader, and a few others.”