YORK City's international lion Russ Howarth admits he is still reeling from his shock call-up to the England Under-20 squad.

As first revealed in the Evening Press this week, Howarth has been named in the 23-man squad to take on Portugal at Southampton's new St Mary's Stadium later this month.

Despite being capped by his country at under-16, under-17 and last season at under-18 level, Howarth feared he would be overlooked for a squad that is just one step down from the Under-21s, which in turn is the last bridge to the senior England squad.

"It's great boost and I am really pleased," Howarth told the Evening Press.

"I'm also a bit shocked to be honest.

"I think the older you get the harder it is to get in these squads.

"Quite a lot of the lads involved have already played in the under-21s and there is just me and a player from Stoke who are the only ones from outside the top two divisions

"I thought being at York might not have been in my favour but obviously I must have been doing well to get picked."

With West Ham goalkeeper Stephen Bywater withdrawing from the squad due to injury, Howarth's chances of featuring against the Portuguese have improved.

But he still faces stiff competition from Chelsea's Rhys Evans and Aston Villa's Boaz Myhill if he is to claim the coveted number one jersey.

"It is going to be difficult. I'm sure the management will have their mind made up who will be playing because there will only be time for a couple of training sessions," he said.

"Hopefully I'll get a game but I'm happy just to be in the squad at the moment."

Howarth admitted the call-up had capped a fine few weeks for the shot-stopper, who received glowing praise from City boss Terry Dolan following his display in the LDV Vans Trophy tie at Notts County.

Although the game - Howarth's first in the senior squad since January - ended in a 2-0 defeat Howarth pulled off a string of fine saves to earn the man of the match award and turn up the heat on number one Alan Fettis.

Howarth said he was delighted to learn he was putting pressure on Fettis for the goalkeeping position but admitted the more he pushed the better his friend and rival seemed to play.

"It's hard being in the reserves so to get in the England squad and to hear I'm playing well is a big boost and it does help your confidence," he said.

"Obviously, I want to get in the first team here but it's difficult with Alan playing so well.

"I'm pushing as hard as I can and that is better for him. Alan has been superb in the last few games but if there is no one behind him he could rest on his laurels. It's good competition and that is what you need for a successful team.

"The Notts County game was a big one for me and I wanted to impress.

"I was pleased with the way I performed and so long as the gaffer knows I can do it then that is the important thing."

Updated: 10:22 Saturday, November 03, 2001