Following the news that he'd penned a new contract that should see him remain with the club until at least the summer of 2019, Walsall midfielder Maziar Kouhyar has spoken to club journalists, and has discussed his desire to get back into the international set-up.
Speaking via Saddlers.co.uk, Maz said; "My first few months have been really good for me. Being in and around the first team, getting a couple of appearances and starting games as well.
"To come on and make my debut against Chesterfield was crazy, I still remember it clearly. Then to score a goal is something you dream about for so long so to finally do it against Grimsby was amazing.
"I picked up a knee injury on international duty with Afghanistan which was a bit of a set-back but I’ll be back within a few weeks."
Maz, who was born in Afghanistan and moved to the UK as a two year-old, went on to explain how he has had to adapt to men’s football in order to push for a place in the squad and earn recognition from his birthplace, he said; "The intensity in the matches are much higher than youth team football. Nearly every player is bigger and strong than me so it’s something I have to deal with and technically you have to be a bit more tidy on the ball.
"Everything is just a bit more professional but the players and staff have been really welcoming since I signed so it’s a good environment for me to be in. I was so happy when I got called up, and thought I’d have the chance of playing for my country.
"Then in Malaysia I turned in training, felt something go in my knee and had to fly straight back. Hopefully another chance will come though, I’ve just got to keep playing well."