HARTLEPOOL'S Jermaine Easter was last night celebrating after learning that he is on the verge of his first Welsh Under-21 call-up.

The Cardiff-born striker has been placed on manager Jimmy Shoulder's stand-by list for their next two European Championship Group five games.

Easter is determined to keep progressing and he is hopeful that he will not have to wait too long for his first cap.

"I am happy to know that Jimmy is still looking at me," said the former Welsh under 18 captain. "I thought I might have been in for a while. I'm desperate to be playing for my country. I really enjoy it."

Despite only being in Shoulder's stand-by squad, Easter is eager for his chance against Norway in Oslo on Tuesday night.

The Welsh play Armenia in Merthyr Tydfil tonight and with so many players already ruled out through injury, any slight knocks this evening would lead to Easter receiving a call.

Shoulder, now head of Sheffield Wednesday's youth academy, has found his hand forced considerably by a savage injury crisis.

He has already lost front-men Robert Earnshaw with a slight hamstring problem and Manchester United's Matthew Williams, following a hernia operation.

But Easter will have to wait a little longer because it has meant call-ups for Cardiff's Josh Low and Bristol Rovers' Kevin Gall, who will only play in Oslo.

But the Pool forward, who scored three times for the Under 18s in five appearances, will remain patient.

"I have got to be," said Easter, who was coached by Shoulder at Under-16 level.

"When my chance comes I will be looking to take it."

That situation is one that the 19-year-old is having to get used to at Victoria Park.

But Chris Turner, who already has Gordon Simms away with Northern Ireland Under 21s, has lavished praise on the youngster and expects big things from the ex-Wolves trainee.

Easter said: "It is similar to what's happening at Hartlepool.

"I have been used as a sub for a couple of matches because I was suspended for the start.

"Now I'm just looking to help us get out of the bottom half and back where we belong near the top."

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