Samy Chouchane got to celebrate his birthday in some style.
The midfielder was called up to the Tunisia senior national team for the first time in the week he turned 20.
“It was my birthday while I was with the team, so they brought me a cake and I had to sing a song, it was a nice moment,” he said.
“When I saw my name in the squad it was a dream come true and everyone was good and tried to help me be in the best condition.
“The level is different, it’s like making the step up to the first team with Brighton and it’s hard work. Most of the players in the squad play Champions League, Europa League or in the top five leagues in Europe. They demand a lot.
“We played against Egypt and it was the first time I’ve seen [Mohammad] Salah in real life, so it feels like I am getting something back for working hard.”
Samy’s success was well received by his Albion teammates, with Imari Samuels turning up to the training ground in a Tunisia shirt with Chouchane’s name on the back.
“I played against Imari at the Under-20s World Cup in the summer [when Tunisia faced England] and we swapped shirts at the end,” Samy explained. “He’s a great player and a very good friend.”
While Chouchane didn’t make an appearance for his country, he wants to use the experience to kick on this season.
“I want to win a trophy, I want to score a few more goals. Hopefully I can be in the squad for the African Cup of Nations if I keep doing well. That’s definitely a dream, but another is to make my debut for the first team. The football we’re playing at the moment is some of the best in the world.
“I’ve played in all the Premier League 2 games so far this season and I’ve got two goals and an assist. It’s been a great start for the team and personally. We’ve won three games in a row, so we’re in a good mood and have a positive mindset.
“We’ve been working hard with [coaches] Shan [Ruth], Gary [Dicker] and Sal [Bibbo] to get better. Everyone knows how each other works and we fight for each other. When anyone scores we’re happy for that person, that’s why the group is really competitive.”
The under-21s are back in action on Friday against Aston Villa at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre, kick-off 7pm.