RICHARD Chaplow has picked up an early birthday present through a sensational England call-up.

The Burnley midfielder has been selected for the England U19 squad to face Holland in a friendly next month.

It caps a remarkable rise for the talented teenager, who turns 19 in early February only a matter of months after first breaking through into the Clarets first team.

And club boss Stan Ternent was first to congratulate the Accrington-born youngster on becoming the first Burnley player to earn England recognition at any level since Andy Kilner in 1984.

Ternent said: "Richard fully deserves his call-up and it is fantastic news for the player and the club.

"It is a great honour for the club and I will almost certainly go out to Holland to watch the game."

Ternent had previously expressed reservations about releasing any players for international call ups due to the limited numbers already at his disposal on the domestic front.

However England's friendly game, at WOG Harderwijk's stadium in the Netherlands on Tuesday, February 17, falls during a blank midweek for the Nationwide League.

Ternent added: "I didn't want to lose Richard for any league games because we are so thin on the ground.

"It doesn't interfere with any league games and he has been given permission to fly out after Saturday's game (either FA Cup fifth round or Reading away).

"But anyhow, you cannot stand in the way of progress and if Richard continues in the same vein and maintains his progress and goes to play for the Under 21s, then it's time.

"It just goes to show what can be achieved through hard work."

Clarets chairman Barry Kilby added his own congratulations, admitting: "I am absolutely delighted for Richard.

"It's a long time since we have had England recognition for a Burnley player and it shows that on the youth front we are at last trying to make an impact."

Chaplow, who was recently named PFA First Division Player Of The Month for December, is the first player to receive an England call up since Andy Kilner earned his 11th Youth cap while at Turf Moor 20 years ago.

The news should also be a real fillip for the entire Burnley dressing room ahead of Saturday's crucial FA Cup fourth round tie with Gillingham.

Chaplow seems certain to earn a recall to the side after missing last weekend's battle with West Brom through suspension.

And the Clarets also hope to welcome defender Arthur Gnohere back into the fold following a month out with hamstring trouble.

Ternent revealed: "Arthur came through training okay yesterday and we'll wait and see if there is any reaction. But I'm hopeful he can be involved."