Brunt eyes chance to shine - exclusive

Last updated : 22 March 2005 By Andy Parsons

The former Middlesbrough winger has been called up to Lawrie Sanchez's squad for the clashes in Manchester and Warsaw for arguably the two hardest away games of Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifying campaign.

James Quinn is also in the squad but will be returning for the clash with Torquay on Saturday because he is suspended for the England game.

But Brunt is just taking everything in his stride and believes it is a great honour to be called up by his country - and just getting an opportunity against England will be something special.

He told Footymad: "It’s nice to be called up, especially against England but I am disappointed to be missing out in the Torquay game to be honest as every game is a cup final for Wednesday at the moment from now until the end of the season but having said that it will be great to be involved on Saturday but we’ll have to wait and see.

"To play at Old Trafford in front of 68,000 fans as well as the great support that Northern Ireland will bring over, it will be a great experience but I don’t want to say anything too soon about my involvement but hopefully I can make the bench and take it from there."

Brunt has not had too many opportunities to shine so far at international level but he has loved the small tastes he has had so far.

He added: "I got ten minutes or so in Switzerland in August and that was fantastic because everyone wants to play for their country. It was brilliant and I really enjoyed it. I was in Azerbaijan and made the bench but I didn’t make the bench in the home game against Austria but it is fantastic to be involved with Premiership players and everyone wants to play international football and so far my experiences have been good.

"The players I play with and against at this level are obviously the best in their respective countries and you have to play to the best of your ability, especially against the likes of England because they have got so many big names and it is going to be a tough game for us but if all the boys get stuck in then you never know. Poland away will be a tough test too but you never know as I said, we are somewhat of a draw specialist at the moment and we have been stealing draws left, right and centre recently."