ARMEL Bella-Kotchap has opened up on his “surprise” Germany senior call-up, admitting: “I just want to convince the coach.”

After success with his country’s under-21s team and a stellar beginning to life in the Premier League, manager Hansi Flick has rewarded the 20-year-old.

Bella-Kotchap could even line up versus Saints teammate James Ward-Prowse when the two nations face off at Wembley Stadium next week.

The young centre-back has never been called up to Germany’s senior squad before, admitting it has come as a surprise. 

"I didn't know the number,” Bella-Kotchap told Transfermarkt. “The coach has said that I've performed well in recent weeks and that's why he nominated me.”

Flick also revealed former Saints assistant manager Danny Rohl had been on site to watch Bella-Kotchap, where we can only assume he spoke with former boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.

“The club showed me a very good plan and I have the opportunity to work on my weaknesses every day,” Bella-Kotchap added.

“The coach trusts me, the relationship between us is very good and I hope it will continue like this. I just want to show good performances here (with Germany) and convince the coach.”

Bella-Kotchap will hope to stake his claim to be in the World Cup squad for November, with only two games remaining before qualifying nations head to Qatar.

The former VFL Bochum ace has played every minute in the Premier League for Hasenhuttl since missing out on the opening day.

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