BUDDING Blackburn Rovers star Marlon Broomes has been given a shock England call-up by Terry Venables.

The 18-year-old Ewood defender has been invited to join the England senior squad when they get together for the international against Bulgaria on Wednesday week, March 27.

And Broomes, who was among the substitutes for the UEFA Champions' League game against Rosenborg at Ewood in December, is understandably delighted with the opportunity.

"I've only just found out from the manager but I'm well pleased," said the teenager, a product of the FA School of Excellence and an international at various youth levels.

The only problem is that he is still recovering from a thigh injury and Rovers boss Ray Harford will check with Venables whether he still wants the Rovers youngster, or would prefer him to attend another game.

England have taken a leaf out of Scotland's book by starting to invite a couple of top-rated young players to join in when the senior international squad is together and also help with things like the kit.

It's intended to give them a taste of the atmosphere at the top.

"I am delighted for Marlon, it's not only a tremendous opportunity for him but also an acknowledgement of what they think of him as a young player," said Harford.

It is also a feather in the cap for the men who run Rovers' youth football. Broomes expects to be playing again in two or three weeks time and he added: "It's a great opportunity. The idea is to give young players the feel of what it's like with the full England squad."

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