26/1/2010

Swans striker Besian Idrizaj has more reason than most to establish himself as a regular at the Liberty Stadium and the British game.

For the moment the Austrian front-man returns to his homeland, he's set to face six months of National Service.

Speaking in The Swan, the club's matchday programme for tonight's Championship clash with Coventry City, the former Liverpool front-man and Austrian Young Player of the Year (2005) revealed how he had to make a fleeting visit back home to Austria last week to complete a medical in readiness for his army life.

"Everyone, as long as they are fit and healthy, has to do six months of National Service in Austria,'' said the 22-year-old.

"I had to do the medical when I was 17, but because I left the country to join Liverpool I never did my National Service.

"My two brothers and my father have done their National Service and some of my friends have been out to places like Afghanistan.

"They say it teaches you discipline and respect. It makes you a man.

"I know I'll have to do it myself one day, but I want to put it off as long as I can. Perhaps I can keep playing abroad until I'm 60,'' he joked.