HEARD the one about the Irishman, the Scotsman and the three Englishmen?

It's anything but a joke, for Blackburn Rovers' unbeaten Under 18s side regularly boasts five youth internationals in their line-up.

Joe Garner, Ryan Woods and Zac Jones are currently starring for England, while midfielder Eddie Nolan has been strutting his stuff for the Republic of Ireland and Bryan Hodge is a regular with Scotland.

The quintet's recognition at international level is a major coup for the Academy.

And to mark the achievement, the five starlets were pitch-side before the recent Premiership clash with Liverpool at Ewood Park where they showed off their international shirts, watched by Academy chief Bobby Downes and coach Sean Kimberley .

Downes said: "The Under 18s are having an excellent season and for these lads to get regular international recognition is a tribute to them and a real coup."

Garner and Jones have recently been named in the England Under 17 squad to face Hungary at Preston North End on November 17.

The international is a friendly, but coach John Peacock sees it as crucial preparation for the forthcoming European Under 17 Championships.

Last month, the Under 17s overwhelmed their Slovenian hosts 5-0, a match in which local hitman Garner opened the scoring from the penalty spot.

In the meantime, the Academy is celebrating after being awarded the prestigious Investors in People standard.

Investors in People is the national quality standard which sets a level of good practice for improving an organisation's performance through its people.

Downes said: "I believe anybody in any job wants to be recognised.

"This award is recognition for everyone who works at the Academy, full-time, part-time or support staff.

"The development of youth football is the reason for the Academy. We have excellent facilities, but people are our most important resource and we should never forget that."

The standard, first conceived in 1990, provides a framework for improving business performance and competitiveness. This is achieved through the setting and communicating of business objectives and developing people to meet them.

IIP assessor Les George, of Business Link, said: "It is an award for everyone involved in the organisation.

"I have been working with the club for over four years, the Academy didn't just meet the standards, they met them very well."

Dave Richardson, director of youth at the FA Premier League, added: "The FA Premier League isn't directly involved in this, but it is a fine example to set to other football clubs. I'd be delighted to promote this to other clubs.

"The Academy at Blackburn is excellent, it is always a pleasure to come here, particularly with the award they have received.

"Blackburn's facilities are some of the best in the country and it has an excellent reputation."

Downes, his entire staff and players gathered at the Academy to be presented with the plaque.

The achievement will be further recognised with a pitchside presentation before the home game against Birmingham City on November 21.