Last Updated: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:18
Hibs defender Souleymane Bamba believes he would now be a Blackburn Rovers player if it wasn't for an international call-up.
The 24-year-old claims his move to England was scuppered by his inclusion in the Ivory Coast squad for a 2010 World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso during the summer.
Bamba said: "It is true I was supposed to sign for Blackburn Rovers, but I was called up for a World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso as an emergency.
"The mercato is finished, so nothing can be done now until January.
"With my performances, the fans and the media think that I am not going to be in the SPL for a long time, that I deserve to be in a bigger league.
"But me, I am fine here in Hibernian and I am continuing with the hard work to reach the top level.
"I am very happy because now I am playing for my country and, for a young player to be part of that group, it is fantastic.
"I am looking forward to the African Nations Cup where we are the favourites, and the World Cup, where we might be the surprise team. Hopefully 2010 will be our year."