Brentford Youth Team goalkeeper Nik Tzanev made his international debut for New Zealand Under-20 yesterday.

The 18-year-old was named in the squad for two friendlies against Uzbekistan and played 90 minutes in the second of those.

Having been an unused substitute in a 1-0 defeat on Friday, April 3, Nik started in the match played in Tashkent yesterday, Monday April 6.

Uzbekistan took a first half lead but New Zealand levelled after the break.

The hosts won it in the second half but New Zealand Under-20 coach Darren Bazeley said his team were the better side.

Nik was born in Wellington and moved to England in 2006.

He has been first-choice goalkeeper for Brentford’s Youth Team this season, playing 16 games as The Bees have moved clear at the top of the Under-18 Professional Development League Two South.

Nik has also played two games for the Development Squad this term.

New Zealand will host the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in May and June.

The squad for that tournament will be announced later this season.