Click on the player on the right to watch the video
Friday night could become a very special night for Zavon Hines. The West Ham United striker, who has exploded on the Premier League scene this season, received his first call-up to the England Under-21s squad for the game against Macedonia.
And not only could he grab his first international cap, but if he turns out in The Three Lions’ first home qualifier of the Euro 2011 campaign, it’ll be at Coventry City, where he spent the tail-end of the 2007-08 season on loan.
And Jamaican-born Hines also notched his first ever League goal for the Sky Blues, so a return to the Ricoh is something he’s looking forward to after enjoying his first week with Stuart Pearce’s men.
“It’s been very good to be honest. It’s different from club football, with different players, so a different experience for me,” said the 20-year-old.
“I’ve just been trying my best for the club, as West Ham have shown a lot of faith in me. For the past two years I’ve been injured, so it’s been good to see all the hard work is paying off.
“Junior (Stanislas) and Tonks (James Tomkins) are here so I’ve settled in quite well with all the other lads, too. Training’s been very good, we’ve been very sharp. I’m not surprised to be honest because most of the boys play for Premiership clubs and know what they are doing. It’s not surprising to see how good the training is.”
And the game has brought back memories of Coventry for the forward who has made five Premier League appearances for West Ham this season. And after a training session at the Ricoh Arena on Thursday, he’s excited about the game against Macedonia.
“It wasn’t a good time as we were struggling, but it was good to be involved in senior football, because before that I hadn’t been involved in senior football,” said Hines.
“I got my first senior goal for Coventry so it will be good to come back and maybe get my first England cap where I first started.
“It was a nice pitch, nicely watered, and the ball was popping about. Let’s hope I get a chance on Friday and see if the manager thought I did enough in the training session to get me involved.”
However this isn’t Hines’ first experience of international football. In February he received a call-up to the Jamaica Senior Team, though he didn’t get on the pitch for their friendly with Nigeria.
But despite still having a place for Jamaica in his heart, he now wants to make an impact for The Three Lions.
“I moved to England when I was seven years old, my dad was living there and I went to live with him. I got a call last year saying I’d got a call up for the Jamaica senior squad. Before that I’d said I’d consider it, so people must have passed it on.
“I was born in Jamaica and Jamaica is in my heart, but right now I just want to concentrate on playing for England.”
Tickets for the game are on sale through the Coventry City box office priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Call 0871 220 0260 or buy online at www.seetickets.com alternatively watch the match live on TheFA.com
You can also order you match programme online, click here for details To stay up to date with the Under-21s thoughout their campaign, stay logged on to TheFA.com or become a Fan of Stuart Pearce's team on Facebook