Tehrantimes - Iranian international winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh admits that he is glad to get back into the lineup after eight months.

Jahanbakhsh came off the bench in the match against Turkmenistan in the 2018 World Cup qualifier since the match against Iraq in the AFC Asian Cup 2015 in Australia in January.

The winger was absent in the matches against Turkmenistan, Guam, India, Oman and two friendlies against Uzbekistan and Japan.

“I suffered an injury in the AFC Asian Cup and missed a lot of matches. Now, I am so happy to be back into the team. It’s a great honor to wear the national colors” the AZ Alkmaar player said.

“Iran coach (Carlos Queiroz) started the rejuvenation of the national team from the AFC Asian Cup. The young players can take advantage of the old players’ experiences and the experienced players will be motivated by the young players and I think it helps the team to progress,” he added.

Group D leader Iran football team has been scheduled to play Guam on Tuesday.

A victory against Gary White’s men will guarantee a place for the Iranian team in the next round.

“We traveled to Guam right away after the Turkmenistan match. We have to play in an artificial turf and I think it will be difficult for the Iranian players since we have not previously played in the field,” Jahanbakhsh concluded.