David Browne has been cleared to take the field for the PNG Kapuls when they take on the Solomon Islands on June 9.
The 21-year-old’s senior international debut against Tahiti at the Sir John Guise Stadium in March lasted only 22 minutes after he was red carded for a foul.
After serving a one match ban, Browne has now been given the clear by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to wear the PNG colours against the Solomon Islands at Lawson Tama Stadium.
The Kapuls will play the Solomon Islands twice at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier- OFC Stage 3.
The Port Moresby-born forward says playing for the Kapuls was always part of the plan and is just thankful the opportunity has come.
“That’s always been on my mind. I was born here, I grew up here. I feel Papua New Guinean so I am Papua New Guinean.
“It’s in my heart to play for this country and I’m glad to be back to play,” said Browne.
Browne first represented at the OFC U-17 Championship in New Zealand as a 15-year-old.
Shortly after that, he took up a scholarship to attend college in Auckland which then set his football career on a path that has seen him win New Zealand and Oceania titles, a bronze medal at the FIFA Club World Cup and earn a move to Europe.
He was just 16 when he signed for Auckland City, and later that year he became the second youngest player to play at a FIFA Club World Cup.
“It was a big transition for me moving from PNG because I had grown up here.
“It was a big change and being without my family was the hardest thing but football-wise it was really good because I managed to play for the school team and improve myself as a player and get exposure.
“I managed to play for Central United and then eventually Auckland City where I learnt a lot and played at a high level as well,” said Browne.