York City goalkeeper Russ Howarth has incentives aplenty as he looks to safeguard his country against Finland tonight.

Howarth is part of the England Under-20 squad that takes on the Finns at Bolton's Reebok Stadium tonight, kick-off 7.30pm.

Apart from adding to his growing collection of international caps and booking his place in a major summer tournament with young England, the 19-year-old admits he is anxious to showcase his talents to a wider audience.

After another season spent on the sidelines, Howarth reckons his time on England duty can only be of benefit to York City.

Should Howarth feature tonight he will be in the unusual position of having played more times for his country this season than his club.

His only senior City start came in the LDV Vans Trophy tie at Notts County in October last year. A few weeks later he played for England Under-20s in their 1-0 win over Portugal

"It's not a bad thing by any means. Obviously, I'd love to play for the club as well but what can you do when Alan Fettis is playing so well?," he said.

With all the wet weather, Howarth admits he has not even been playing all that regular for City's reserves of late and so is desperate for a slice of action tonight.

"It's nice to go away with England because I always come back feeling recharged," he said.

"It's a different set-up, a change of scenery and it's a good break. It gives me a lot confidence."

Out of contract at the end of the season, Howarth, who has had recent trials at Wolves and Sunderland, admits tonight's game also offers him a chance to display his talents to any watching scouts.

It is also the penultimate friendly before coach Martin Hunter names his final squad that will fly out to France in May to compete in the prestigious Toulon Tournament against the likes of Brazil, Germany, France and South Africa.

"The game is on Sky so if I can get on and play hopefully it will make people sit up and take notice," said Howarth.

"The two weeks in France at the end of the season would also be nice. It's always an honour to play for your country and to test yourself against some of the top teams in the world.

"All I can do is keeping working hard for England and York City and hope I can get a break."

A quintet of new faces have been drafted into the squad for tonight' friendly.

Tottenham's talented left-footed midfielder Johnnie Jackson makes the step up having played alongside Howarth at Under-18 level last year.

Wimbledon's Neil Jenkins, Wolves' in-form centre half Jolean Lescott and Derby County midfielder Adam Murray has also been called-up alongside Sheffield Wednesday's Matthew Hamshaw.

Arsenal's Steven Sidwell, Aston Villa's J Lloyd Samuel and Charlton's Paul Konchesky have withdrawn due to club commitments.

Coventry's Gary McSheffrey has not been able to join up due to an Achilles injury.

Updated: 08:45 Wednesday, March 13, 2002