Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson in line for first Sweden game

ROTHERHAM United Player of the Year Viktor Johansson may be about to make his senior debut for Sweden.

The goalkeeper’s outstanding form was a major factor in the Millers winning their Championship survival battle this season and he has been called up for two international matches later this month.

A home friendly against New Zealand this Friday could see him pulling on the gloves for his country for the first time.

The second game is a Euro 2024 qualifier in Austria the following Tuesday and the Swedes’ regular number one, Aston Villa’s Robin Olsen, is likely to be between the sticks for that encounter.

Twenty-four-year-old Johansson was so good throughout the 2022/23 campaign that he scooped virtually every Millers award except Goal of the Season!

He earned his first Swedish summons in March but didn’t make it off the bench in Euro 24 qualifying clashes with Belgium and Azerbaijan.

Rotherham boss Matt Taylor said: “Viktor has got another call-up, which is absolutely fantastic for him. Hopefully he gets some game-time this time around.

“I think there’s a good chance he’ll play. If ever there is a good time for a first appearance it’s in a friendly.

“He’s new to the squad and I’m sure the manager and the coaches will want to see him in a live game. They will have seen him so many times for us and seen how well he’s performed. It’s a great opportunity for them to see him close up and live."

Another Rotherham player has headed off on international duty. Top scorer Chiedozie Ogbene is in the Republic of Ireland squad for qualifiers in Greece (Friday) and at home to Gibraltar (next Monday) although a hamstring injury suffered late last season may prevent him from playing.

 Winger Shane Ferguson (groin) and striker Conor Washington (knee) will miss out on Northern Ireland action in Denmark and then when Kazakhstan visit the Emerald Isle.

The Euro 2024 finals will be played at the end of next season in Germany.