Marvin Johnson's joy at England call

Kidderminster Harriers winger Marvin Johnson today admitted he "never thought" he would be called up for the England C team's Mission to Moscow.

Johnson, along with striker Anthony Malbon and midfielder James Vincent, could win their first caps when they join an 18-man squad to go to Russia.

The Harriers trio join club manager and England C assistant boss Steve Burr for the game at Dynamo Moscow's Khimky Arena on June 5.

The national semi-professional team travel to their training camp the week before they compete in Group A of the International Challenge Trophy.

While Vincent and Malbon have experience with Stockport and Port Vale respectively, Johnson has only been playing full-time since February.

The former Romulus wide man has just 12 games under his belt for Harriers but has made a big enough impact to get the nod.

He said: "I was shocked to get a letter asking about my availability, at first, and to get the call-up to the squad was even better.

"I didn't expect it after being at the club for such a short time, it was a long-term aim for me that has come sooner than I thought.

"If I looked back to the start of this season, coming from Route One football, I never thought I would be in this position now.

"I feel settled in now, with the standard and I feel that, in every game I play, I keep getting better and more consistent.

"This will kick me on and, if I can get a cap, it would mean a lot to me. It would make me more confident."

Birmingham-based Johnson also revealed he hopes to be switched from the left to the right wing for Harriers next season.

The 21-year-old got 18 goals from that position for the part-time Roms over the last campaign before February's switch to Aggborough.

He said: "I am going to speak to the gaffer and, hopefully, get a lot more time on the right.

"I prefer to play there, I can cut inside and get shots off and I can cross with my right foot, I just can't shoot as well!

"That's where I feel my all-round game is better and be more of a threat.

"That said, even on the left I can still link up with people and put balls into the box."