ANDY Campbell last night admitted it is a "make-or-break" season for him at Middlesbrough.
And the pacy striker will be bidding to show boss Bryan Robson he can "make it" starting tonight when England Under-21s take on Georgia in a friendly at the Riverside Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm).
The 21-year-old Campbell, who almost quit the Riverside in the summer, is expected to lead the line for the young England lions on his home ground and he cannot wait.
"It's going to be a great night and I am really excited," he said.
"Playing for England at your home ground in your home town is something you dream about.
"I will be very proud if I am playing tonight and getting a goal would be something special.
"My family have not had the chance to see me play for the England Under-21s before because my previous games have been away, so they will all be here for this one.
"I will feel more nervous with it being at home, but it will also give me a chance to show what I can do.
"I have not played much for Middlesbrough this season so far and that's frustrating when I want to be out there and playing.
"I thought I had done well enough last season to get a chance in the side this time around.
"Then the manager bought three new strikers in the summer and that made it even harder and I thought I might have to leave.
"That's why I think it is a make-or-break season for me even though I signed a four-year contract last season.
"After the new players came in the gaffer took me to one side and told me I'm in his plans. I accept that and believe him and now I hope he'll play me in as many games as possible.
"I want to be playing in the first team now. I have had a taste of it in the past couple of seasons and I want more of it.
"I love it here and want to do well for Middlesbrough, but you can only learn so much in the reserves."
Campbell, who scored four goals last season, admits the arrival of Alen Boksic, Noel Whelan and Joseph-Desire Job in the summer has provided massive competition in the Boro frontline with Brian Deane, Alun Armstrong and Hamilton Ricard also pushing for a striking spot.
"It's great for the club with competition for places and quality there, but not everyone is going to be happy," said Campbell, whose only first-team appearance this season has been as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Spurs last week.
"It's great to see Alen Boksic here and you can learn from playing alongside someone like him.
"He is quality and some of the things he can do in training is fantastic and he has already shown he is going to cause problems for defences in England with two goals on his debut against Coventry.
"I know it will help my game playing with him and I hope I can get the chance.
"I will stay positive despite it all and keep battling for my place.
"It would be nice to show the gaffer (Robson) by doing well for England. These games are a bonus and I enjoy every one."
Campbell is joined in the England Under-21s squad tonight by Boro team-mate Robbie Stockdale.
But the 20-year-old full-back may have to settle for a place on the bench alongside Sunderland midfielder Paul Thirlwell.
Coach Howard Wilkinson has been forced to make sweeping changes following England's dismal failure in the summer in the European Championship finals in Slovakia.
Wilkinson, with three defeats in his seven games in charge, has lost several key players as they are now over-age, leading to 14 uncapped faces in the 24-man squad.
But he still has the likes of Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Francis Jeffers, Nicky Weaver and Ipswich centre-back Titus Bramble to call upon.
l Tickets are available for tonight's game priced £10 for adults and £3 for under-16s, over-65s and students.
But fans are warned they must be purchased from ticket offices as there will be no cash admission at the turnstiles and advise early arrival with satellite offices open from 6pm
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article