Then the phone rang…and his world got even better.

"It was one of my mates," says the Villa left-back, taking up the story. "He told me to switch the TV on and put it on Sky Sports. That’s how I found out I’d been included in the England squad."

Samuel has been in fine form this season. His consistent defensive dependability allied to his pacey and penetrative forward forays have caught the eye as Villa have surged up the table.

"People have been talking about my form recently saying I’ve been doing well," he explains. "It’s true my form has been good and the team around me has also been performing well which has been a big help. Whatever the reasons for my being here, I’m just happy to be selected."

So what does Samuel put his considerable improvement down too? Two words spring to mind: David O’Leary.

"The manager at Villa has brought me a lot of confidence. The gaffer’s talked to me, advised me, encouraged me and told me that I can get better. I appreciate what he has done for me.

"He has also played me consistently in the same position at left-back. That’s another reason why I’m very grateful to him – it has been a real help.

"Although I have always worked to make my right foot strong and have played at right-back for the Under-21s, left back is my position – it’s where I can express myself best."

Although it’s Samuel’s first taste of life with England, he has settled very quickly, not least due to the fact that he’s known some of his new international team-mates for half his life. Not only was Samuel a junior at Charlton at the same time as Scott Parker, he was also at the same boys club as John Terry and Jermain Defoe.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has also been on-hand to make his new recruit feel welcome.

"He seems calm and knows what he wants from his players," is Samuel’s initial assessment of the subtle Swede. "He’s can be direct when he needs to get his point across but he has top quality players here so he knows that he doesn’t have to say too much."

All in all, Samuel has had some birthday week.

"We actually met-up on my birthday," he smiles. "You couldn’t ask for a better present really could you? It was lucky for me that it all came together at the same time. They say your 21st is supposed to be your best birthday but for me my 23rd has been even better.

"I got a cake too, which was nice."

An England debut tonight would be the icing to go on top.