YORK City's Turkish delight Levent Yalcin is revelling in new-found international glory, goals and a senior squad berth - but is hungry for more.

The young City trainee, aged 17, returned last week from representing Turkey in two under-18 international friendlies with Germany.

Yalcin, the only English-based player in the Turkish squad, proved himself star of the show, scoring in the young Turk's 1-1 draw with the Germans in Neunkirchen before bagging the decisive goal in a 2-1 win over their hosts in Volkingen.

Speaking to the Evening Press, Yalcin admitted his feet had hardly touched the ground since his return to Bootham Crescent.

Just to add to his feel-good factor, the youngster was named in the first-team squad for the last two matches at home to Mansfield, his first senior call-up, and then Bristol Rovers.

"It's been good, I've really enjoyed it and it's been great experience," he said.

His two caps in Germany added to his debut cap earned earlier this year when Turkey Under-18s lost 1-0 to Holland in Amsterdam.

Yalcin admitted he had no idea how the Turkish footballing authorities were tipped off as to his availability.

"My father's Turkish so that's how I qualify but how it all came about I'm not sure," he explained.

"I received a fax from the Turkish national team asking me to go for trials in February.

"From there I got selected to play against Holland at the end of February and then the two games against Germany last week.

"It was a real surprise but nice to get picked."

Having made his mark on the international scene, Yalcin admitted his prowess in front of goal could lead to a permanent career change.

"I came to the club as a midfielder but lately I've been playing up front for the reserves. I was playing up front for Turkey so I'm probably a striker now," admitted the first-year trainee

Despite being the only English-based player in the squad, Yalcin insists the language is not a barrier.

"I'm learning some Turkish but most of the lads speak English anyway," he said.

The Middlesbrough-born teenager did admit however this summer's World Cup, which will feature both England and Turkey, could lead to a conflict of interests.

"My dad likes to think of me as Turkish but I was born in England so I'll probably be cheering on both teams," he said diplomatically.

Yalcin's form in front of goal means he is almost certain to be included in the Turkey Under-18 squad to face Italy later this month.

Another impressive display against the Italians could then see Yalcin promoted to the Under-19s, who get their qualifying campaign for the 2003 European Under-19 championships underway in the summer.

Updated: 09:25 Thursday, April 18, 2002