HOWARD Wilkinson last night revealed his delight for Sunderland's third-choice goalkeeper Jurgen Macho after he was called up by his country.

It is the first time Macho has been named in the Austria squad and he is now hoping to play a part in next Wednesday's friendly with Norway in Vienna.

Sunderland boss Wilkinson has been forced to play the 25-year-old in the Wearsiders' last five matches, after Thomas Sorensen and Thomas Myhre sustained injuries.

Macho has been steady and he kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Tottenham at the weekend, watched by Austrian scouts.

Wilkinson said: "I'm extremely pleased for him. I have to say he is well worth it and he's looking good.

"He's not only looked good in the games but in training as well.

"It hasn't been easy for him to come in and fill in. He was touch and go for one and then he had to come off the bench for another."

Macho is now hoping Austria coach Hans Krankl will hand him his first full cap. He said: "A few weeks ago I was third choice here and international football seemed a long, long way away.

"But I have worked hard and it just goes to show that you should never give up.

"I have played for the Under-21s but really senior caps are what every player wants. It would be nice if I could get 45 minutes or even just part of the game."

The inclusion of Macho, who could come up against Black Cats teammate Tore Andre Flo, is the perfect example every fringe player should try to follow, according to Wilkinson.

"The best advice I think you can give a footballer is to keep yourself fit and be ready for selection," said the former Leeds United boss. "If you are fit and you're not picked then that's the manager's choice.

"But if you are ready then you are able to take your opportunity.

"It's a great life being a footballer. In fact the players should pay us because we keep them fit -- you could pay a fortune at fitness centres to keep you fit."

Macho's inclusion comes at a time when Sunderland are understood to be tracking Derby's highly-rated shot-stopper Mart Poom.

Poom, who has attracted interest from a host of clubs, is expected to leave Pride Park for around £3m.

Wilkinson said: "I never comment on transfer specualtion of that sort until another club is ready to comment.

"As far as I'm concerned, if we were in a position where we were doing business with anybody then when they want to go public it is then time for us to go public."

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