Bambo Diaby has admitted that his international future could depend on how well Sheffield Wednesday do.
Speaking to Yorkshire Live, the defender claimed it always been one of his ‘biggest dreams’ to play for Senegal.
Bambo Diaby got his first taste of international football when he was called up to Senegal U20s on two occasions, however the 25-year-old is yet to win a call-up to the senior team.
Diaby has longed to play for the national team since he was young, but he has so far lost out to players that are even still playing in his native home country, as well as others from leagues in Belgium and Israel.
The centre-back has 60 appearances in English football to his name, but he knows to earn his place in the Senegal team, he is going to have to impress for Sheffield Wednesday.
When speaking to Yorkshire Live, Diaby recalled Senegal reaching the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals which was followed by his brother’s wedding.
“My mum was shouting at me to shower and put the nice African clothes on for the wedding but I said ‘no chance’,” Diaby said.
“I wanted to wear my Senegal shirt because it was just after the World Cup. I said ‘no, this is my top!’
“It’s one of my biggest dreams since I’ve been playing football [to play for Senegal].
“But to try to go there, I need to do well here! I think we need to start to win and after that I will see if they’re looking at me!”
Can Bambo Diaby become Sheffield Wednesday’s main man?
Senegal’s national team is full of talented players, such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Pape Matar Sarr and Sadio Mane.
Bambo Diaby knows he has a lot to do to force his way into the national team picture, with many players coming from the likes of the Premier League and Ligue 1.
The 25-year-old will be desperate to improve his performances after criticism in recent weeks, and helping Sheffield Wednesday move up the table if it means catching the eye of manager Aliou Cisse.
That can only be a good thing for the Owls, who need much higher quality all round from this squad.
Danny Rohl‘s side have shipped in 27 goals this season, and a few standout displays from Diaby could really help them climb out of the relegation zone.
Though the German boss will certainly be relying on players further up the pitch too, with Sheffield Wednesday only managing to score seven goals in 16 games so far.