Dickson Etuhu made his debut for Nigeria earlier this month

The Sunderland midfielder was handed his Nigeria debut in a 2-2 friendly draw with Mexico earlier this month.

He has now put himself in line for the tournament to be held in Ghana in January after impressing in his first Super Eagles appearance.

"It was great to get the call-up and it was a good experience playing for Nigeria," Etuhu said.

"I had been called into a couple of other squads, but couldn't make it because of injury, so it was nice to add an international debut to my career.

However, Etuhu is adamant he must concentrate on his career at the Stadium of Light.

"But I'm not really thinking about Nigeria or what might or might not happen in January," Etuhu said.

It was great to get the call-up and it was a good experience playing for Nigeria Dickson Etuhu

"Let's cross that bridge when or if we come to it. My only focus is to do better for Sunderland, and I certainly feel my performances can improve.

"We want to get more points on the board, and that's my only concern."

Etuhu, a US$3m signing from Norwich in the off-season, freely admits there is more to come from him as he makes his way in the top flight.

However, the former Manchester City trainee has proved a central figure in Roy Keane's side, starting 10 of the 12 fixtures for the Black Cats so far this season.

His form for his club helped to win him his international bow, and Keane could be forgiven for anticipating the announcement of Berti Vogts' squad for the tournament.

If selected, Etuhu would be required to meet up with his international team-mates on January 4, 16 days before the competition gets underway, and could be away for up to six weeks.

Etuhu may have further chances to stake his claim in friendlies against Australia and Switzerland during the next international break.