IN from the cold Alan Fettis has paid tribute to his miserly York City team-mates after his out of the blue international call-up.

The goalkeeping ace has been drafted into the Northern Ireland squad to face Hungary next week.

Northern Ireland boss Sammy McIlroy has turned to the in-form Fettis, who won his last international cap back in November 1998, after the withdrawal of Wigan's Roy Carroll.

Speaking to the Evening Press as he looks forward to tomorrow's clash with Brighton, Fettis expressed his joy at ending nearly two years in the international wilderness.

"You could say I am happy about it," he joked. "I know it has come from someone's injury, but that is how I got left out of the squad and that's football. You have to seize such chances when they come along.

"I always thought I could do a job but I wasn't playing regularly.

"That is why I came here but to be honest it has come much quicker than I expected.

"I was really looking to get some games under my belt and then press for a recall next year but this will do me."

Fettis was quick to praise his City team-mates for catapulting him back on the international scene.

In their last six games the almost impenetrable Minstermen, safeguarded by Fettis, have conceded just one goal and enjoyed an eight match unbeaten run.

"We are on something of a run now, confidence is high and we have a settled team. For sure the lads have helped me out defensively," said the 29-year-old.

The former Blackburn Rovers and Hull City 'keeper said he only knew he had been called-up by McIlroy when a fax came through to Bootham Crescent yesterday.

Now he accepts a hectic week of football and flying awaits, but would not have it any other way.

After tomorrow's visit of Brighton, Fettis will also play in City's Easter Monday clash with Chester at the Deva Stadium.

On the same evening he will fly out to Belfast to link up with his Northern Ireland team-mates before the match with Hungary at Windsor Park on Wednesday.

Fettis will then fly back to England to rejoin City ahead of York's penultimate match of their Division Three campaign, at home to Halifax Town.