Ben Brereton’s Chile call-up is ‘valid’ and national team boss Martin Lasarte believes he can offer a new dimension to La Roja.

Brereton’s call-up has come as a shock in South America, with the Rovers striker qualifying for selection through his mother, despite representing England up to Under-20s level.

The Rovers forward has now pledged his allegiance to Chile who face a World Cup qualifying double header against Argentina and Bolivia next month before this summer’s Copa America gets under way.

Chile have been on the look-out for attacking options and first identified Brereton’s availability at the end of 2020, with this the first chance Lasarte has had to name him in a squad.

And after seven goals for Rovers, and his pedigree with the England age groups, Lasarte is happy to have him on board.

“He is a valid player. He is very young. He has many characteristics that are not abundant to us. He is very tall for a forward,” he said.

“He seems very satisfied and we hope he can give us what we think, or hope he can be.”

Brereton has trained with his new national team colleagues this week in Santiago before they travel to Argentina ahead of their qualifying match which takes place in the early hours of June 4, UK time.

They then face Bolivia on June 9 in Santiago, looking to build on the four points they have picked up from their four points so far.

Brereton will eye featuring in both, and doing enough to keep his place in the squad for the Copa America which runs from June 11 to July 10.

The Stoke-on-Trent born forward has spoken of his pride at being named in the squad, and Lasarte says he’s delighted with the commitment of the Rovers man.

Lasarte said: “He grew up in England, playing in many selections – under 15s, 17s and I think under 20s. He has been through every stage of the process.

“The possibility (of being called-up) was planted/raised and he loved the idea. He is very happy.”