Burnley’s Cameron Howieson will be joining the senior New Zealand national squad and understandably the youngster has made no attempt to hide his excitement.
Howieson’s first call-up to the full squad will see him feature in two friendly matches before taking part in the next stage of the All Whites’ qualifying bid for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.
The Blenheim-born midfielder committed to a two-year Apprenticeship at Turf Moor less than 12 months ago and has since seen his boyhood-dream quickly become a reality after he signed two-and-a-half year professional contract in March.
“I am very excited about it. It was always my childhood dream to play for the All Whites so this is a big achievement,” Howieson told the club’s website.
“I thought I might be involved in the Under-20 World Cup but to be in the senior squad is a bit of a surprise.”
“It came as a bit of surprise. I didn’t think it would happen so quickly”.
Burnley’s well publicised and impressive FA Youth Cup run provided Howieson with the platform to make a name for himself.
Burnley manager Eddie Howe took note and promoted the young Kiwi into his first team squad before giving him his debut in the club’s 3-1 defeat to Birmingham City back in April.
Howieson’s second half subsitute appearance in that game meant he became the youngest ever New Zealander to play in the Football League.
“I have been training with the first team and been involved for the past couple of months and the national coach thinks that Championship players can be involved in the senior squad. Hopefully I am capable of fitting in.”
Next on Howieson’s ambitious target list is to be involved in the 2012 Olympic Games in London:
“To be involved in that would be something quite amazing and hopefully I have a chance.”
