JO TESSEM has been included in the Norway squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Ukraine.

The in-form Saints utility player has never before represented his country - even at Under-21 level - and is the only surprise in manager Nils Johan Semb's party.

Semb said: "Jo is an exciting player. I've seen him twice this season and he performed very well on each occasion.

"Videos from other games have underlined that and, having finished last season in a good way, he has just carried on in the same vein this term."

Semb is especially im-pressed with Tessem's pace and technical ability and added: "I see him as an alternative for the centre of our midfield or even on the flank."

Dean Richards is not holding his breath today as Kevin Keegan announces his England squad to face Germany despite the fans' campaign for him to get international recognition.

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