Andy Yiadom is delighted with his call-up to the Ghana squad while Barnsley are hoping he plays their next three games before the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 25-year-old full-back, who has made 22 appearances for the Reds since signing for League Two Barnet in the summer, has been named in Avram Grant's squad for the tournament in Gabon from January 14 to February 5.

He is due to play for Barnsley against Birmingham on New Year's Eve then Nottingham Forest on January 2 while they also want him to be involved in the FA Cup match at Blackpool on January 7.

Reds head coach Paul Heckingbottom said: "We've said we want him to play in the next two league games.   The first day of the Ghana training camp should be the day we play Forest and we want him for Blackpool as well.

"That's the communication we have sent back and we're waiting for their response. It's a blow for us because he's played nearly every game and he's really improved. But we have to accept it because we want to improve players and the consequence of that can be international recognition. We would rather have it like that and Yids definitely deserves it."

Yiadom, who got his first call up last month but did not make his debut, said of the call-up: "It's very good news for me and I'm proud. It's a good achievement. I have been working very hard so I'm happy it's been noticed.

"I went away with them last time which was a great experience, even though I was on the bench and didn't get to play. There's more games in the Africa Cup of Nations so fingers crossed I can get some minutes.

"Ghana have players who play in the Premier League and in higher leagues in Europe so you learn a lot and pick up a lot of new things. I haven't really had a chance to take it in because there is always a game around the corner. The news of the call-up came out then I had to concentrate on the next game for Barnsley."