Preston North End striker Emil Riis talks international call-ups in his EXCLUSIVE column
and live on Freeview channel 276
With Preston without a game last weekend due to the international break, I took the opportunity to return back home to Denmark to spend some time with friends and family.
But as I prepared to fly back into Manchester, I received a phone call to inform me that I had been called up by my country.
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Hide AdDenmark were due to face Scotland at Hampden Park for a World Cup qualifier on Monday evening.
So instead of making my way to Preston, I caught a train up to Scotland to join the Danish squad.
I guess it was a little bit strange to be called up by my country while being back home but then having to catch a flight back to England.
But it was no problem as I was just about to board the plane when I got the call, it just meant a few logistical changes were required for when I landed back in the UK.
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Hide AdIt was all a bit of a whirlwind. I did not actually get the chance to train with my Danish team-mates although I did touch the ball a few times in the warm-up.
Denmark have already qualified for the World Cup in Qatar so losing 2-0 to Scotland was immaterial, although obviously we would have liked to have won.
I was on the bench for the game and I didn’t get on. It would have been nice to have made my international debut but it does feel like a pat on the back for how well I have performed for Preston this season.
Hopefully, I will get more opportunities with Denmark in the future.
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Hide AdI had spoken to the Danish management team previously and they had told me that I was in their thoughts.
When you score goals like I have done this season for PNE, there is always a good chance you could get close to a call-up.
I am really happy that they called me up and I want to help in the best way that I can.
Obviously it was a great experience.
I was part of the team meetings in terms of how we wanted to play in the game against Scotland.
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Hide AdIt was just nice to meet everyone and see how things are set up.
It was a little bit surreal to be part of the squad and meet up with players who are big stars in Denmark and who I had only ever seen on TV.
It was so nice to meet them all and they were all so kind to me and made me feel part of the group.
I guess it just shows how far I have come since arriving at Preston.
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Hide AdIt’s gone really quick and hopefully I can continue with my form.
I just need to keep working hard, doing my thing and hopefully I will get another call -up.
To get called up for the World Cup, in Qatar, next year would be a dream for me.
It’s definitely a goal I want to work towards but I think I have got a few more steps to go through to get there.
I just have to keep scoring goals for Preston, playing minutes and showing people what I can do.