Kayal's Happiness At Israel Return

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Beram Kayal expressed his delight to be included in Israel’s squad for Saturday's friendly against Romania, as the 29-year-old looks to make his first international appearance since September 2016.

Kayal played the opening match of Israel’s 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign against Italy, but the midfielder missed the remainder of their games through injury, and is now excited to reignite his international career.

He said, “I’m so happy to be back, especially because of the long-term injury I’ve had over the last couple of years. I’m pleased to be fit again and test my game at the top.

“It’s great to be playing international football - I think all the hard work that I’ve done, since the first day of my rehab, is now starting to pay off.

“I’ve been playing international football for many years, I was 19 when I got my first call-up. It’s always been something special for me.

“It’s a nice feeling to know you’re back home and back with the team. We work hard to achieve things in our career, and to be an international player, it means a lot.”

The form of Davy Propper and Dale Stephens has restricted the Israeli to 11 appearances in the Premier League this season, and Kayal is thankful for the chance of collecting more game time on the international stage.

“It’s a chance to take my game to another level. There’s nothing better than playing more and training more.

“I need to play some more games, so I’m very happy for this opportunity. I understand the other side, the rest - but I prefer this side, especially at his moment in my career.

“We’re a small country and not too many players play abroad, so the feeling to be back is always amazing, especially in front of our fans.

“We don’t get the chance to play week-in week-out in front of them, so it’s great to have this opportunity to come home and make our fans proud.”