Burnley's Cameron Howieson receives first New Zealand call-up

Image source, Empics

Burnley midfielder Cameron Howieson has received his first call-up to the senior New Zealand national side.

The 17-year-old has been selected for the friendlies against El Salvador and Honduras in the USA later this month.

"It came as a bit of surprise," said Howieson, who made two substitute appearances for the Clarets in the final month of the season.

"I am very excited. It was always my childhood dream to play for the All Whites so this is a big achievement."

As well as his brief time at senior level, Howieson was part of the Burnley side that reached the last four of the FA Youth Cup this season.

He will also be involved in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and, if he impresses, could force his way into the country's plans for London 2012.

He is one of six English-based players named in the party.

Ryan Nelsen (Tottenham), Tim Payne (Blackburn), Winston Reid (West Ham), Tommy Smith (Ipswich) and Chris Wood (West Bromwich Albion) have also been included by coach Ricki Herbert.