European Qualifiers: Saido Berahino proud at England call-up for Slovenia and Scotland
Thursday 6 November 2014 17:42, UK
West Brom forward Saido Berahino wants to repay England for rebuilding his life by boosting Roy Hodgson's team in the build-up to the 2016 European Championships.
After scoring seven goals in 10 Premier League matches for Albion this season, the 21-year-old has been rewarded with a first senior call-up to Hodgson's side for the forthcoming qualifier against Slovenia and a friendly with Scotland.
It has been a remarkable rise for the highly-rated striker, who fled the family's war-torn homeland of Burundi to join his brother, sisters and mother in England, where he was granted political asylum. The family settled in Birmingham and Berahino was soon given a chance to shine with the ball at West Brom's academy.
Berahino, who was part of the successful England side at the 2010 Under-17s European Championship, told the club's website: "This country gave me a second chance in life. I came to this country and it has provided me and my family with a safe place, and a better place to live in.
"It has given me a chance to perform what I want to achieve in life. I feel very lucky that my family and West Bromwich Albion have looked after me and guided me. I will be very proud and honoured to represent England."
Berahino is in line to become West Brom's first outfield England international since Steve Hunt, who played against the Soviet Union in June 1984.
He added: "I remember coming home and seeing I had got my first-ever call up for England as a schoolboy - I was excited then and I am excited now.
"It will be a very emotional experience for me - if selected, I will play with all my heart."
Live International Football
Hodgson admitted Berahino had been in his thoughts ahead of last month's double-header against Estonia and San Marino and the England boss believes the timing is right for him to progress.
"It is everything he has done since the start of the season, for West Brom and also for our Under-21 team. He has been a key figure," Hodgson said.
"He has been able to keep his West Brom place, he has been able to score goals, albeit a number of them have been penalties, but even taking penalties shows a degree of maturity and confidence we appreciate.
"I am just pleased for him, because I know how much football means to him. I was pleased that he, in his interview the other day, made it clear how important England and English football has been to him and his family.
"It is a really nice story and now it is up to him to show he can make this step up, but I am happy to give him the chance."
Watch England face Scotland at Celtic Park live on Sky Sports 5 HD from 7.00pm on Tuesday, November 18
