Old Boy Cameron Howieson looking forward, after being named in the All Whites team.

By Otago Daily Times | Posted: Wednesday March 21, 2018

A return to enjoying his football has helped Cameron Howieson back into the All Whites.

The 23-year-old, who grew up in Dunedin, was last week announced in the first squad under new coach Fritz Schmid.

He last played for the side in 2014, and is looking forward to the trip to Spain for the camp and game against Canada.

It had been quite a journey for Howieson.

After losing his enjoyment for football towards the end of a six-year stint in the UK, he returned to New Zealand in 2016.

Initially playing for Team Wellington, he shifted north and has spent the last season and a-half as one of Auckland City's stand-outs in the national league.

"I've really enjoyed it," he said.

"I came back to New Zealand to enjoy my football and be around family. They were the main aspects of coming back home.

"And I can say I've enjoyed every minute of being back at Auckland City.

"The training is up there with what I've trained with overseas.

"It's put me in good stead for going away for the All Whites and I'm ready to show the manager what I can do."

Returning to the All Whites had always been a goal of his and while he had spent a few years on the outer, it was not something he had given up on.

"I don't think there was anything in the back of mind to say I wouldn't get called up again.

"I always gave myself that chance and backed my ability to get back in the set up.

"Some people might think playing in New Zealand, not in a professional environment might dim those chances.

"But I still had the belief that I might get called up again.

"And playing for Auckland City its pretty much like being in a pro environment.

"So I'm happy with the call-up and can't wait to go over there and prove myself."

He was unsure what the next year had in store but has a goal of returning to a professional environment.

For now he was focused on continuing to work hard and take the opportunities that came his way.

From there he was keeping an open mind about where he could end up.

"I'll never disregard going back to Europe.

"You always want to aim to play in the best league.

"So if I get that opportunity again, or if I need to go back over and prove myself, I'm definitely up for the challenge.

"So we'll see how the rest of the season goes and hope, potentially in 12 months, I could head over somewhere and get back into a professional environment."

The All Whites play Canada on Sunday morning, New Zealand time.