By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

"I consider him really exciting" – Klopp explains first Germany call-up for Celtic's Mika Baur

Jürgen Klopp has explained why he decided to hand Celtic's Mika Baur his first call-up to the German national team.

Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images

New Germany coach Jürgen Klopp handed first-time call-ups to a number of players as he announced a total of 44 players, split into two separate squads, for the upcoming four UEFA Nations League games.

One of the surprising new faces is Mika Baur, who made the switch from newly-promoted Bundesliga side Paderborn to Celtic over the summer.

Explaining the 22-year-old midfielder's inclusion (via Sky Germany) after announcing the squad, Klopp praised him highly.

“I consider him really exciting. He’s absolutely up for it,” Klopp said, adding:

“We also spoke on the phone about the weather in Glasgow – something I know well from Liverpool,” added the former Liverpool manager.

“With this move, he’s taken on a very challenging step.”

Baur has been selected for the second squad for the games against Serbia on October 1 and Greece on October 4.