Little Thrilled

[ian1964 10,720]

Exclusive by Andrew Dickson

 

ANDREW LITTLE admits he's trying to stop himself from dreaming of scoring against Artur Boruc after his shock call-up to the Northern Ireland squad.

 

The Rangers reserve striker, 19, was promoted from his country's under-21 team yesterday for the Province's World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Slovenia.

 

Andrew LittleLittle comes in as a direct replacement for his club-mate Kyle Lafferty, who is out with an ankle knock, while fellow forward Martin Paterson is also crocked.

 

It's quite a rise in stature for the teenager, who is yet to make his first-team debut for Walter Smith's Light Blues.

 

Having recently signed a contract extension that will keep him at Ibrox until May 2011, Little now has a first full international to prepare for.

 

Within hours of receiving his good news, the youngster was already being wound up about trying to find a way past Celtic goalkeeper Boruc on Saturday.

 

But he insists he's just happy to be involved and doesn't expect to pull on his boots at Windsor Park this weekend.

 

Little joked: "It hurts my head when I think about the situation. I knew Kyle and Martin were injured but it was a complete shock to get called into the full squad if I'm honest.

 

"I was just preparing myself for under-21s' game against Ukraine next week and had been looking forward to that.

 

"I didn't even think that I might get my chance and I'm absolutely delighted to have been brought into the group.

 

"A few people have been joking with me about coming on against Poland and scoring against Boruc.

 

Andrew Little"That would be great but I'm trying not to think about that. I'm just aiming to do well in training and if it gets me a shot then great.

 

"If I happen to get on for five or 10 minutes, depending on how the game is going, it would be a huge bonus for me.

 

"It would be absolutely amazing and it would certainly be the biggest moment of my career so far."

 

Little, a scorer as Rangers beat Celtic 3-1 in last season's SFA Youth Cup final, appreciates he's at the bottom of the pecking order in Nigel Worthington's squad.

 

But with only four strikers in the pool, there's still every chance he'll be given an opportunity to play either against the Poles or Slovenia next midweek.

 

He added: "The manager has told me that I've been brought in on merit and that I'm there because of my performances for the under-21s already.

 

"He was very confident in me when I was speaking to him and that was great. He was quick to reassure me I wasn't just going in to make up numbers.

 

"Of course, I have been called up because there are other people unavailable but he doesn't want me to feel I don't have a part to play and that was nice to hear.

 

Andrew Little"He just wants me to go out there and give it my best shot so that's what I'll do and hopefully I'll get a chance."

 

Little admits Northern Ireland will be weakened by the absence of Gers hitman Lafferty, whose strike against Hearts three days ago was his eighth club goal of the season.

 

But he's eager to show he can be an able deputy for the former Burnley star if he gets his chance to shine in Belfast.

 

Little said: "I was in the Rangers squad at the weekend but ended up being the spare man so I was in the stand to see what happened to Kyle.

 

"I really feel for him. Being a big Northern Ireland fan, it's disappointing that he's out as he has been in great form lately.

 

"He would definitely have played against Slovenia after his suspension and him and David Healy have been brilliant together up front.

 

"It's disappointing for the country that he's out but for me, it's a big chance and hopefully I can make the most of it."

[alexscottislegend 2,303]

So limited are the chances of young players getting a game for our first team, that they can make an international debut first! It's about time Walter started appreciating our young talent the way other shrewd judges are.