DEFENDER Tamika Mkandawire has revealed his delight at being called up by the England National Game XI for the first time.

The 22-year-old centre-half was selected for England's initial 22-man squad on the back of his outstanding form for Hereford United in 2004/05 -- for which he was voted the club's player of the season -- and for his steady performances this term.

Bulls team-mate Danny Carey-Bertram also earned a national team call-up for the tie against Belgium in Wavre on November 15.

The inclusion came as a thrill to Malawi-born Mkandawire, who is keeping his fingers crossed that he remains in the squad when it is trimmed to 16 ahead of the fixture.

"It's great for me and Danny," said the former West Brom man. "The gaffer called us both together and said that we were in the squad of 22.

"The squad gets cut down to 16 and we both want to be in that. It will be a great honour to play for my country. It would be a great opportunity and also a great experience.

"For me, it's nice to get some recognition. Danny feels the same and he's been playing really well. He's showing what he's all about. He knows he's the main striker at this club, he's scored five goals and done everything the gaffer has asked of him."

Three years ago, Malawi coach Kim Splidsboel pursued Mkandawire, then at the Hawthorns, in the hope he may represent his country of birth.

But plans were thwarted by the African country's strict immigration laws. It is illegal to hold dual citizenship in Malawi, meaning Mkandawire needed to relinquish his English citizenship and apply for a work permit to continue playing in England.

As a teenager hoping to make his way into the professional game, it was never an option.

Mkandawire added: "That happened when I was at WBA. It was complex, but I wanted to get my career started over here and I didn't want problems having to get a work permit."