Howell with big plans after call-up

Driven to succeed at the highest level, Waterhouse midfielder Ramone Howell has credited his first call-up to the senior national men's football team to the support of his mother, Diane Allen.

Howell, 26, was named in the Reggae Boyz's 23-man squad by head coach Paul Hall to face hosts Peru in their international friendly game on January 20.

"My mother and brother have always been with me and supporting me every step of the way, and I know that they are very proud of me getting this call up to the national team," Howell said. "She has been behind from day one, from ever since I starting playing football from the youth level to high school football and at the club level.

"She wants to see her son make it at the high level and has always driven to me to my best on the field at all times."

Howell, a former Bridgeport High School and Jamaica College Manning Cup player, says that while he is very happy for the call-up, he is hoping it will lead to bigger and better things for his career.

"I am feeling very good because this is an opportunity to play for your country and it is an ambition that I want to fulfil ever since I started playing the game," he said. "I just want to make good use of this opportunity because it doesn't matter the timing of it, as this opportunity comes just once, so I am going there to work hard and to maintain my focus."

Howell, who holds a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from Valparaiso University, in Valparaiso, Indiana, USA, netted one goal for Waterhouse in the Jamaica Premier League last season. Now, he wants to play for a club overseas.

"I am hoping that this will do something good for my career because as a professional footballer you always want to represent your country and to display your talent on the international stage, and, hopefully, I can get something overseas going forward," he said.