Pride of a nation bloomed for York City's teenage goalkeeper Russ Howarth after his international baptism.

Handy Howarth: City goalkeeper Russ Howarth proudly wears his England shirt

The 16-year-old custodian made his England debut when he featured in the friendly under-16s international in Turkey, where England won 2-0.

Though the City youngster's involvement lasted a mere 20 minutes he confessed that wearing those three lions on his chest had been the greatest moment of his burgeoning football life.

Said Howarth on his return to England: "Standing there before the game and just hearing the national anthem - it filled me with immense pride. It was amazing to be there representing your country. I was so proud."

Of the game Howarth admitted he had not much to do once he was thrust into the action for the final 20 minutes.

"The pitch was hard and a bit bobbly and there was not much support for us with a lot of Turkish schoolchildren admitted to the game," he said.

"But it was a good atmosphere and it was a great experience." With the game classed as a friendly there were no caps to be dished out, but the England management allowed each player to keep hold of their shirt as a memento. Howarth's number 13 jersey now hangs proudly at his home.

The Riccall-based goalkeeper's elevation to his England bow has been little short of meteoric.

He did not appear for the City intermediates team on a regular basis until just before Christmas, only inching up the ladder with the hand injury suffered by then City number one Andy Warrington.

"I played in about three matches before Christmas and that proved good preparation for the trials at Bisham Abbey for the Turkey game."

Now back in the Bootham Crescent fold his priority was to secure a professional contract. He is currently in the first year of a three-year academy scholarship.

"While it's been a feather in my cap to play for my country my first job is to establish myself with York City. Playing for York will help me to get success and that's got to be my main aim."

However, the international roll-call is set to extend for the self-confessed Everton fan, who cites Neville Southall as his goalkeeping hero.

Howarth has been included in the provisional 30-strong squad for trials next month to select the side for European Under-16s' qualifiers against Cyprus and Armenia.

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