Johnno calls on Quins star

7:16am Wednesday 21st May 2008

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Harlequins full-back Mike Brown was left speechless by a phone call from his hero Martin Johnson telling him he was off to New Zealand with the England squad this summer.

The 22-year-old is one of four Stoop players - alongside Nick Easter, David Strettle and Danny Care - in Johnson's 32-man squad to take on the All Blacks.

And Brown was at a loss for words when he was contacted by the new national team manager "I was at Ugo Monye's house when we saw the selection on television, and I was very impressed with the way Martin took the time to ring me to confirm my selection and say what was expected," Brown said.

"He is a hero for England. I saw him lift the World Cup on television!

"It was quite hard to talk to him for the first few minutes - I didn't know what to say - so to be part of his first squad is a huge honour."

Brown made his England debut under Brian Ashton in last year's disastrous tour to South Africa but, after missing the cut for the World Cup in France, he was reduced to bit-part appearances for the second string in February.

Now he is out to show he has learned from his South Africa nightmare and is worth a starting slot for the national side.

He will head Down Under full of confidence, having clocked up more game time in the Guinness Premiership than any other player this season.

He was one of the reasons Quins came within touching distance of a play-off spot earlier this month.

And Brown, who was suffering the effects of food poisoning the last time he pulled on an England shirt, believes he is up to the challenge laid down by World Cup-winning skipper Johnson.

"I learned a lot from the games in South Africa and to be in this position now is awesome," he said.

"You want to test yourself against the best.

"The All Blacks had a disappointing World Cup and have lost a few players. They will be out to prove a point."

Brown and his Quins team-mates are now in line to face the Barbarians at Twickenham HQ next Sunday.

And he is keen for a debut international appearance on home turf.

He added: "I am the only specialist full-back in the squad.

"There are others who can play the position but I would like to think I will be involved.

"I have played at Twickenham in the double-header Premiership fixture, but to pull on an England shirt there would be amazing."