Football: Hudson eyes UK-born teen

Henry Cameron.

An English-born teenage midfielder who has played in the Championship could be set to represent the All Whites.

Blackpool's Henry Cameron is on New Zealand Football's radar, with the next All Whites squad expected to be named this week for a game against Myanmar on September 9.

Cameron would be following in the recent footsteps of Greek-born defender Themistoklis Tzimopoulos, who made his All Whites debut in March against South Korea.

His selection followed a worldwide appeal for New Zealand-eligible players from All Whites coach Anthony Hudson. The Herald on Sunday understands Cameron qualifies through one of his parents.

Cameron looks a good prospect. A local Blackpool product, he signed his first professional contract in January. After some impressive appearances for the youth team, including some spectacular goals, Cameron made his first-team debut as a 17-year-old in a 1-0 win over Brighton in January.

He made 11 appearances in the Championship last season, facing the likes of Fulham, Norwich, Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest, and also scored his first senior goal, against Ipswich.

However, the Tangerines struggled all season and were relegated with several games to spare. Manager Lee Clark was sacked but new boss Neil McDonald seemed impressed with Cameron, quickly signing the 18-year-old to an extended two-year deal, with the option for another year.

"The last six months have just been unbelievable," Cameron told the club's website in June. "The challenge now is to try to nail down a regular place in the team, get more goals and help the team get back where it belongs."

Cameron is an attacking midfielder, either central or wide, though McDonald has used him as a winger. Blackpool, whose greatest era came in the 1950s when they beat Bolton Wanderers in the 1953 FA Cup final (the Matthews final), are are enduring a bad run. McDonald is their fifth manager in two-and-a-half seasons and they lost their first three games this season.

Cameron has been one of few shining lights. He has started all three matches, one of only two youth team graduates to do so.

He was also recently shortlisted for the Rising Star honour at the North West Football awards, along with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Bolton's Zach Clough.

"It's nice to be nominated and noticed for my performances," Cameron said. "I'm up against some big names and really good players."