CHARLOTTE Hartley has moved a step closer to making her England debut after being selected for a national training squad.

The 15-year-old Mansfield High School pupil has been called into the national under 16s training squad after impressing selectors while playing for the North of England last month.

School coach Lil Dykes believes it is only a matter of time before Charlotte fulfils her potential and pulls on the England shirt.

She said: "She hasn't played for England yet but she has attended the last few training programmes and selection for this squad is a natural progression to the national team.

"I think England have a game in Holland in the New Year and I would be very surprised if Charlotte was not involved."

Charlotte, who also plays for Nelson Hockey Club, attending the England training sessions during the summer.

And she is currently training with a select number of young hockey players at weekly sessions at a hockey academy at Stoneyholme College.

The academy is for potential England stars of the future and is attended by just six talented youngsters.

Charlotte, who plays in an attacking midfield role, has been playing hockey for five years.

Last year she played an important part in the success of both her school and club hockey teams.

For the Mansfield High School under 15s team, Charlotte was in the side that won the Lancashire Cup and Lancashire Presidents Cup.

And she also played in the Nelson Hockey Club side that narrowly lost in the final of the All England Cup in Milton Keynes.

Lil added: "Charlotte is a very good player and has improved since she has been at the school. But she is just one of many good players in her school year here at Mansfield who have done very well and have been picked for county teams."

Charlotte has also been selected for the Lancashire side alongside six of her school mates.