Great news for Pirmin Schwegler. The midfielder is in the Switzerland squad for the first time. Along with Tranquillo Barnetta he has been called up for next Wednesday’s friendly against Finland (19. November). Schwegler has represented his country at U21 level where he just missed out on qualification for the European Championships.

“The call-up is a reward for his recent performances. He’s now on the verge of a place in the first team and it’s important that he keeps the pressure up,” declared a delighted Bayer 04 coach Bruno Labbadia. Schwegler ably replaced his injured countryman Barnetta in the games against Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Köln.