Martin Paterson is determined to make his mark at international level with Northern Ireland.
Scunthorpe striker seeks international future
Martin Paterson has admitted he was 'surprised' to receive a call-up for Northern Ireland, but is determined to make his mark at international level.
The Scunthorpe striker has scored 11 goals in the Championship this season and was a surprise inclusion in Nigel Worthington's squad for November's European Championship qualifier with Spain.
Paterson made his debut from the substitutes' bench in the 1-0 away defeat to Spain and he has now set his sights on a long-term future at international level, beginning with Northern Ireland's friendly clash with Bulgaria on Wednesday.
"I have got to work hard, but that is second nature to me. I want to show what I can do," said Paterson. "To be involved in any international is brilliant.
Experience
"I have been playing week in, week out for Scunthorpe and that's been a great experience for me.
"I was surprised when I first got the call, when I got a letter. I couldn't believe it to be honest, but it was an honour. It is going well at the moment."
Meanwhile, Worthington will be without Stephen Craigan after Motherwell's postponed Scottish Cup fifth round tie with Dundee was rearranged for Tuesday night.
And Worthington has admitted he had no reason stop the defender from playing in the cup match.
Craigan absence
Worthington told
Sky Sports News: "It was only right and proper that we gave him (Craigan) permission to play in that game, since we've got a friendly and want to be seen to be working with the managers as much as possible.
"We are all right as far as numbers in that position are concerned. We've Aaron Hughes, Gareth McAuley, Chris Baird, Sean Webb and Jonny Evans.
"We've got numbers in there which is not too bad. It is a friendly and we've got to play along with coaches and managers."
