YORK City's international lion Russ Howarth will defend his country with pride and confidence tonight as he looks to cap a month to remember.

The young City shot-stopper is in the England Under-20s squad to face Portugal at Southampton's new St Mary's Stadium, kick-off 7.45pm.

Despite being the only Third Division player involved in the England set-up, Howarth is refusing to be overawed as he keeps his fingers crossed for a chance to show his class on the international stage.

His confidence has been boosted by his stirring performance for City in the LDV Vans Trophy against Notts County last month - his first senior appearance of the season - which left City boss Terry Dolan admitting Howarth was pushing Alan Fettis hard for a first team place.

His call-up to the Under-20 set-up followed just days later and then, in a further boost for the Riccall-based shot-stopper, Howarth spent four days on trial with Premiership giants Sunderland earlier this month.

Speaking to the Evening Press ahead of tonight's international, Howarth admits another England cap to add to his ones picked up at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 would be the icing on the cake after a busy few weeks.

And while he admits he may have to settle for a place on the bench, if called upon he is confident he won't let anyone down.

"If I get a chance I'm confident I can take it," he said.

"Hopefully if I get a game I'll do well and show people what I can do."

He added: "It's been a hectic few weeks but nice. I can't complain and I would rather it be like it has been than quiet.

"Obviously, what has gone on has given my confidence a lift and it'll be nice to play at a Premiership ground, especially one that is brand new.

"It holds 30,000 so there should be a good atmosphere and it should be a good playing surface."

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

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

Updated: 12:16 Wednesday, November 21, 2001