Michael Woud has expressed his sheer delight to receive his first senior call-up to the New Zealand squad.
The 18-year-old stopper has been included in the Kiwi’s 22-man squad for their international friendly in Japan on Friday 6 October.
Woud joins fellow Sunderland youngster Sam Brotherton in Anthony Hudson’s squad, and speaking to safc.com before departing the ‘keeper admitted he is relishing the opportunity to pit his wits against some of his country’s best players.
“I am proud of it, I am still young and to get called up at my age is an honour,” he said.
“I feel extremely proud because it is your national team – I just can’t wait to get started now.
“Hopefully I can go there and show what I can do because I have been given an opportunity and it is up to me to make sure I stay in this squad.
“I want to represent my country for years to come but it is up to me to put the work in to make sure I fulfil that,” he continued.
“I want to enjoy myself, show what I can do and learn off some of the more seasoned players in the squad and hopefully improve my game.”