Callum Styles a Barnsley doubt for Bristol City but midfielder will be back in good time for potential Hungary debut
The Bury-born midfielder was surprisingly named in the Magyar's squad for their March friendlies against Serbia and Northern Ireland, courtesy of a Hungarian grandparent.
And even if he does not get to play against the Robins this evening, coach Poya Asbaghi is confident he will be fit enough to face Sheffield United at the weekend.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAs for his mental state, Asbaghi says he has seen no change in the 21-year-old since his elevation.
"We're still assessing and if he's not back tomorrow he will for sure be fit enough to play against Sheffield," he said.
"I've not seen so much difference. I believe he's really proud but outside the football pitch he's a really laid-back person and he's been the same on the pitch so I've not seen any different."
Asbaghi knows full well the value of international football having joined Barnsley from his job as Sweden Under-21 coach. Asbaghi was born in Iran but moved to Sweden as a child refugee and was extremely proud to represent them from the dugout.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAlthough the man known as "the Bury Baggio", who might now have to be rebranded "the Budapest Baggio", has come to international football in very different circumstances, Asbaghi thinks the emotions will be similar and the benefits to the Reds huge.
"Of course we're proud of him," he said. "International experience means a lot to a player, it's a really good compliment for the club.
"I've been involved in international football myself as a coach and I know when players are good at being able to handle both (club and international football), the level of education gets much greater.
"With the education of playing at international level, the experience of playing against opponents like Portugal and France, it develops you a lot as a young player. Styles is a young player we believe a lot in so we're really happy with this, as Styles is.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"It's a really big honour when you represent a country no matter who you are.
"For me when I was with the national team I had the same question and when you have games with the national team you're representing a lot of peope you know - for me it was everybody, my teacher, my dentist, you played for them.
"For me, that's the biggest honour you can achieve."
Victor Adeboyejo misses out through injury again but, like Styles, Aaron leya Iseka's involvement on Tuesday will be decided late.
"Iseka we're assessing still, it's difficult," said Asbaghi. "Maybe for tomorrow or Saturday."
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBarnsley have no fresh injuries following Saturday's 1-1 draw with Fulham which was both hugely encouraging because of the calibre of the opposition, and also demoralising because the Cottagers trailed for almost all the second half before Harry Wilson's equaliser.
Michal Helik has been called up for Poland's World Cup qualifying play-off against the winners of Sweden and Czech Republic. The Poles had been due to face Russia in a semi-final, but they have been expelled because of their country's invasion of Ukraine and the refusal of Poland and other countries to play against them as a result.