It was only twelve months ago that the former Nottingham Forest midfielder graduated from the Under-19's, where he captained the side, into David Platt's Under-21s for the friendly match in Slovenia, and he remained there to grab six caps. But now his impressive displays in the heart of the Magpies midfield over the last six weeks, as they forge a serious Championship challenge, has encouraged Sven to introduce him to the highest level of the game.

"I feel I've been ready for this step for a while," said Jenas.

"I am surprised that I have progressed so quickly to a certain extent - but I wouldn't have it any other way.

"I want things to move fast because football is not a long career. The faster the better, as long as things are controlled and monitored in the right way.

"From the minute I made my debut at Forest, things have moved rapidly. But I wanted to play in the Premiership as soon as possible. I wanted to play in the Champions League as soon as possible.

"Now I've had a call-up from England. There are a lot of good midfielders at the moment but I'd like to see myself up there with a chance for the tournaments ahead.

"I'm not going to sit back and say 'I don't want to be there.' If I have to bide my time so be it, but you want to be there and involved."

And the man they call JJ believes that this is not his only chance to impress with the seniors, and even if he doesn't get a run-out on Wednesday, there will be more to come: "I won't see it as a trial on Wednesday. The manager knows what we can do otherwise he wouldn't have picked us. He is looking at the future of English football. It is a young squad.

"I feel ready for this. If I didn't think I was ready, I don't think I would have come. I feel I've been ready for a while but it's not my decision."

Jenas is quick to acknowledge the help he has received from the likes of Gary Speed, Kieron Dyer and Alan Shearer this season at St James' Park. Dyer has even claimed that Jenas, who will be 20 later this month, can go onto to be England captain in the future.

Jenas added: "I don't see that as a pressure. If that's how he really feels about me, then that's an honour. Kieron has done a lot in the game so far and hopefully what he says will come true. I'd love to go on and do that."