BURNLEY striker Jay Rodriguez is all set for an Italian job after completing a fairytale journey from football trainee to the international scene after landing a call-up for the England U21s.

The 21-year-old local hero has been called into Stuart Pearce’s squad for the friendly in Italy – and that could well lead to a place in the squad for the European Championships in Denmark this summer.

And his proud dad Kiko says the call-up is “better than a dream come true” for all of the family.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph just after hearing the news, Kiko, who played for Deportivo de la Coruna in Spain before becoming a leading striker in the amateur game for many years, grinned: “It is just brilliant, we are really made up.

“All the family feel so proud of Jay. Me, his mum and his brother Joe, we are all really delighted – even though it really hasn’t sunk in yet.

“For a local lad to get this recognition is tremendous, it is better than a dream come true for all of the family – and more importantly for Jay.

“We are proud of what he has done in his career so far and this is another great moment. It means so much for a local boy to get into his team and then go on and get this call for his country.”

The call-up - the first for a home produced Burnley player since Richard Chaplow’s in 2004 - also cheered Clarets’ boss Eddie Howe, who said: “Everyone here is excited about the potential Jay possesses in abundance and his call up is rich reward for all his hard work.

“I am sure, given the chance, he will be a credit to himself and Burnley Football Club.”

The former pupil at Barden high school was promoted to the senior squad at the end of the 2006–07 season after progressing through the youth ranks at Turf Moor.

He made his senior debut in December, 2007, before spending a spell on loan at Stirling Albion. His return saw him break through at first-team level as he scored five goals as a regular substitute under Owen Coyle in the 2008/09 season.

Rodriguez didn’t make a Premier League appearance during the Clarets; top-flight campaign after breaking an ankle - but this season he has become a key player, starting 20 times in the Championship and scoring six times.

England U21 coach Pearce said: “We’re missing a number of players through injury, but it will give me a chance to look at a few new players.

“Rodriguez has been playing well for Burnley and deserves an opportunity.”

England’s game against Azzurrini - the Little Blues - takes place at Serie B side Empoli’s Stadio Carlo Castellani on Tuesday at 2pm.

Two of the Clarets’ squad currently out on loan have also received call-ups for international commitments next week.

Defender David Edgar, who has joined Swansea City until the end of the season, has been named in Canada’s squad for a friendly against Greece in Larissa on Wednesday.

And Alex MacDonald, on loan at Inverness Caledonian Thistle, has been called by Scotland under-21s for a training camp from Monday to Wednesday.