Zavon Hines has been training with his England Under-21 team-mates this week after being named in Stuart Pearce's squad for a major match this Friday night.
The West Ham United forward, fresh from being named SBOBET Player of the Month for September, is in the squad with fellow homegrown Hammers James Tomkins and Junior Stanislas. All three are hoping to figure in the 2011 UEFA European U21 Championship qualifier with FYR Macedonia in Coventry.
After working hard to earn his call-up, Hines is determined to make the most of the opportunity by hopefully getting some time on the pitch at the Ricoh Arena. The 20-year-old knows the stadium well after seven games with Coventry City at the end of the 2007/08 season.
"I'm excited," he said. "I feel privileged to be called up by England to be honest. Who would have thought last season when I was out injured this would have happened? I've just got to keep on working hard as I know that if I keep on working hard there will be someone watching.
"Hopefully with James and Jack with me I can settle in as quickly as possible and get a run-out on Friday."
It represents a quick turnaround for south Londoner Hines, who was proud to be previously be called up by Jamaica, the county of his birth, for a senior friendly against Nigeria in February. Having not featured for the Reggae Boyz, the 20-year-old forward was still eligible to play for England, the country where he has spent most of his life.
"Jamaica will always be in my heart," he added. "It's nothing to do with Jamaica not being a good team or not going anywhere."
Hines has gone into the international 'break' on the back of another promising display for the West Ham first team in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Fulham. Reflecting on that, he has plenty of belief that things will look up for the club in the weeks to come.
"I thought we started well and in the first half we played well. We got the early goal and started well. I don't know what happened in the second but we didn't come out in the second half I don't think. It was a bit frustrating.
"Everyone in the dressing room was disappointed as we started so well. We scored but then in the second half we didn't play well but we've just got to push on now."