Wellington Phoenix young gun Callum McCowatt scored on his international debut for the All Whites in their friendly against the Republic of Ireland on Friday.
The 20-year-old attacker scored the opening goal of the match at Ireland’s Aviva Stadium, before the home side fought back to prevail 3-1.
One of four Hyundai A-League players in the All Whites starting XI, McCowatt showed he’s got the good for international football by putting his side in front on the half-hour mark.
Phoenix teammate Liberate Cacace’s cross from the left picked out the run of McCowatt who produced an assured first-time finish.
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🙌 What an International debut! #Nix Forward, Callum McCowatt scored on his #AllWhites debut against Republic of Ireland!#StandUpWithYourNix #ERereTeKeo pic.twitter.com/I2lTKFiMes
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) November 15, 2019
Goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic was another Phoenix player to start the match, as well as Melbourne Victory defender Storm Roux.
“I’m very delighted for him [McCowatt] to get a goal at international level,” Phoenix boss Ufuk Talay told stuff.co.nz.
“Also for Stefan, I thought Stefan had a great game as well. I’m very pleased with their performance.
“That’s why we brought [McCowatt] in, he’s done that previously at Eastern Suburbs so hopefully he can continue that with us.
“People need to understand that he’s only played five games in the A-League at professional level but I think he’s got the talent to be successful.”
The All Whites are in action again on Sunday with a clash against Lithuania in Vilnius.
With five players named in Danny Hay’s All Whites squad – including Tim Payne and Alex Rufer – Phoenix have the bye in the Hyundai A-League this weekend.
They return to action in Round 7 with a clash against Brisbane Roar at Westpac Stadium on Saturday, November 23 (kick-off at 5pm AEDT).
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