Burnley striker Ashley Barnes on verge of Austria call-up after taking Clarets into Europe
Big forward qualifies through Austrian grandmother and featured once for the country's Under-20s
BURNLEY striker Ashley Barnes is on the brink of a national call-up for Austria.
The Bath-born frontman hit 10 goals in 39 games to help the Clarets finish seventh in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League place.
Barnes, who has an Austrian grandmother, featured once for the country’s Under-20s but has been ignored ever since.
But new national coach Franco Foda has watched the 29-year-old several times, and officials held talks with the forward earlier this month.
Austrian FA general secretary Bernhard Neuhold said: “Myself and sporting director Peter Schottel spoke in person with Ashley Barnes.
“We were very pleased with the discussions. He repeatedly assured us he wants to play for Austria.
“We asked him to supply all the relevant paperwork, and a personal letter saying he wants to play for the team.
“He has now done that, and we’re just waiting for one document. We will then need him to be given Austrian citizenship and UEFA approval.
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“As soon as we have this we will take every step to enable him to play for Austria. He is very eager to gain international experience.”
Austria are preparing for the Euro 2020 qualifiers after missing out on next month’s World Cup finals.
The former Plymouth and Brighton striker could potentially now find himself partnering West Ham star Marko Arnautovic in the central European side’s attack.
Barnes recently signed a contract extension keeping him at Turf Moor until 2021.
Coach Foda’s squad also includes Watford centre-back Sebastian Prodl and Leicester defender Aleksandar Dragovic.
Brighton defender Markus Suttner, Watford reserve keeper Daniel Bachmann and former Fulham defender Michael Madl have also been called up in recent months.