Martin Paterson admits he was 'surprised' to earn a call-up to the Northern Ireland squad.
Striker hopes for senior debut against Denmark
Scunthorpe United striker Martin Paterson admits he was 'surprised' to earn a call-up to the Northern Ireland squad.
The young forward has been promoted from the Under 21 ranks for the final Euro 2008 qualifiers against Denmark and Spain.
Paterson, who has scored seven goals for Scunthorpe since joining from Stoke City in the summer, is now hoping he will make his senior debut.
"I have never been to Windsor Park, but I'm really looking forward to seeing it and I've heard a lot about the atmosphere," Paterson told the Belfast Telegraph.
Honour
"A year ago I was trying to break into the Stoke City team, so to say I'm surprised at a call-up to the international side this quick would be an understatement.
"It really is an honour and although I don't know many of the lads, I think I'll fit in without too many problems.
"Hopefully I will be able to cement my place in the squad, but I have never been the sort of person to come in just to make up the numbers.
"I'm not foolish enough to think I can just walk into the team, but I do want to support the rest of the lads, bide my time then hopefully do enough to impress the manager.
"Northern Ireland is my country; simple as that. I want to play and I can't wait until I make my debut whenever that is."
