Five on duty during the international break

We are always proud when our players are selected for international duty and this time around we are delighted that five from the squad have earned selection. 

Fran Franczak has headed away with Poland U18s, Lewis Neilson with Scotland U21s, Makenzie Kirk with Northern Ireland U21s while Andre Raymond represents Trinidad and Tobago and Adama Sidibeh The Gambia. 

Here's what is in store for our five Saints across the next week...

FRAN FRANCZAK

Fran Franczak has earned himself a first call-up to Poland’s under-18 squad and is excited to be making the leap into international football.

The 17-year-old, a product of our youth academy, made his Scottish Premiership debut at the age of just 16 last season. He has continued to develop at the club and is now excited to represent Poland.

Fran has jetted out for a training camp and friendly tournament in Croatia where matches are planned against the hosts on September 4, the United Arab Emirates U20s on September 7 and South Korea on September 10.

After earning his debut call-up, Fran said: “It means a lot and it is a dream to play for the national team. The first thing I did was phone my mum and dad – they are very proud of me.

“It will be a very good experience and I’ll be playing with new players and getting to find out different styles. That can only be good for me. The past year has gone well and I feel I am making the right steps.”

MAKENZIE KIRK

Forward Makenzie Kirk is on duty with Northern Ireland’s under-21 squad during the international break.

Makenzie is looking forward to EURO U21 qualifiers against England on September 6 and then Ukraine on September 10. Both matches will be played at the Ballymena Showgrounds.

The Northern Ireland U21s, who currently sit fourth in Group F, are managed by a familiar face to Saints fans in Tommy Wright.

After earning his call-up, Makenzie said: “I’m delighted to get called up for the 21s at international level. It’s always an honour to get recognised and to get the opportunity to go away on these trips.

“As a footballer, it’s always about testing yourself and trying to take yourself to the highest possible level you can.”

LEWIS NEILSON

Lewis Neilson, who has shown his versatility playing in defence or midfield, heads away with the Scotland under-21s on international duty.

A loan arrival from Hearts this summer, the 21-year-old has been a regular in Craig Levein’s team across the past few weeks.

He has previous experience in the national set-up and has now been included in the U21s squad for a home game against Spain on September 6 and then an away fixture with Malta on September 10.

“I’m delighted to be part of another U21’s camp for two exciting Euro qualifying games coming up,” Lewis said. “It’s a very competitive squad to be a part of which is why I’m looking forward to being back around the group and some top-quality talents.

“The platform St Johnstone is currently giving me to play games in the Scottish Premiership is a massive aid in allowing me to be part of this squad and I’m thoroughly enjoying my time at McDiarmid Park so far.”

ANDRE RAYMOND

Andre Raymond has settled into life at McDiarmid Park quickly and has now been called into the Trinidad and Tobago squad for upcoming games.

The left-sided defender is looking towards Concacaf Nations League fixtures against Honduras and then French Guiana.

Trinidad and Tobago face Honduras at Estadio Nacional Chelato Ucles in Tegucigalpa on September 7 (3am UK time) before taking on French Guiana at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago on September 10.

Andre said: “I’m just really excited to represent the red, white and black again. It’s a great pleasure to play for the national team.

“The first few weeks with Saints have been an enjoyable experience. I’ve adapted pretty well to the style of play and I’ve met great people. I’m looking forward to continuing like this.”

ADAMA SIDIBEH

Striker Adama Sidibeh has been called back into The Gambia squad during the international break after a string of strong performances at club level.

He recently netted twice in our 3-0 William Hill Scottish Premiership victory against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

Adama scored on his debut for The Scorpions earlier this year in a game against Seychelles and also earned a fast start against Gabon. Now he will be looking to impress again when fixtures get underway this week.

On the schedule this time around are Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Comoros on September 4 and then Tunisa on September 8. Both games are scheduled to take place in the Moroccan city of El Jadida.

Speaking after his call-up, Adama said: “It feels amazing to get another call-up to represent my home country. I feel honoured.”