Burnley keeper stays patient for Denmark World Cup spot (From This Is Lancashire)

Burnley keeper stays patient for Denmark World Cup spot

10:23am Friday 20th November 2009

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WHEN Brian Jensen says he is happy for Andre Bikey, he means it.

But, as Jensen congratulated his Burnley team-mate after Bikey this week became the first Claret in 28 years to qualify for a World Cup, his own international ambitions grow stronger.

Jensen has not always been willing to talk about his dream of playing for Denmark.

For a long time, despite his outstanding performances in goal as Burnley gained promotion to the Premier League last season, he did not hold out much hope.

At the age of 34, he thought his ambition of playing at a World Cup had gone forever – even though his country recently qualified for the tournament.

But now Jensen’s hope has been ignited, after twice being named in Denmark’s provisional squad this season.

He knows he is in contention, and he has the tracksuit to prove it.

“They played Portugal and Thomas Sorensen, the first choice, was suspended,” revealed Jensen of his first call-up in September.

“The second choice Jesper Christiansen at that time had a dislocated elbow so they brought in a guy from Sweden (Kim Christensen) and I was just on stand-by in case anything happened to Stephan Andersen or Kim.

“I was there just for the Saturday for the Portugal game. I watched the game and was involved with the whole squad and the tactical meetings and all that.

“They told me the door was open and they are looking.

“At least I got myself a tracksuit. That was nice!”

Bikey, who was in the Cameroon squad but not involved when they qualified for the World Cup on Saturday, has a big season ahead of him as he bids to make sure he is on the plane to South Africa.

But Jensen knows he, too, could fulfil a lifelong ambition if he impresses Danish boss Morten Olsen by continuing to perform well for Burnley.

“I wish Andre all the very best,” said Jensen. “It’s a big achievement, so I’m happy for him.

“Of course I want to be involved, but it’s not my decision.

“They have to feel that I’m in the best three goalkeepers in the Danish squad. At the moment I’m only the fifth.

“But I’m 34 years old so this is my last chance to do anything like that.

“It would be absolutely amazing, but it’s only the manager’s decision.

“I just have to do well for Burnley and then we’ll take it from there.

“In the past I was not frustrated, I just didn’t hear anything.

“It would have been nice out of respect if someone would have told me what was going on because at that moment it was going pretty well.

“But I guess after their comments now they are looking. At least the door is open.”

And that is a fact that pleases Owen Coyle no end, considering the service Jensen has given him since he took over as Burnley boss two years ago.

Coyle said: “Brian has been in both of the last two provisional squads for Denmark and if he continues to be consistent and plays to the level that he has done for me for two years now, then he’s more than capable of being in the mix when it’s decided what Denmark’s final selection is.

“Having said that, they’ve obviously got goalkeepers who have served them well to reach the championships so I think there’s a degree of loyalty there.

“But what I do know is that Brian Jensen would never let anybody down. He’s got a great appetite for work.

“He had a couple of blemishes earlier in the season but for two years for me over the piece he’s been outstanding.

“You’ll only be an international by delivering for your club, but if you do that then there will be nobody more pleased than myself if they go on to international recognition.”

And the respect is mutual, so much so that Jensen would base his style heavily on Coyle’s positive approach should he move into coaching and management in the future.

“If I ever become a manager one day, I will know exactly what I will do,” he said.

“Confidence is everything in this game. If you don’t have it, you’ll always be lacking a little bit, you’ll always seem to be tired.

“I’m only going to be a goalie coach, that’s why I’m doing my badges right now.

"I’m not interested in managerial things but if it ever happened I would know for a fact what I would do.

“I would use the experience and what I’ve achieved here and learned from the gaffer.”

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