After an impressive season at Reading, left-back Nicky Shorey will get his first taste of international action on Friday.
However, Shorey admits he was in shock after he was called up to the England 'B' squad to face Albania.
The left-back's performances for Reading this season have earned him praise from many fellow professionals and especially his own fans.
And now Three Lions Head Coach Steve McClaren has rewarded him with a great opportunity to eventually gain full England honours should he impress in this game at Turf Moor.
A startled, but delighted, Shorey said: "I got the call from Steve McClaren while I was out in Spain with Reading, and I was asleep. It was a bit of a shock to wake up and get an answerphone message from the England manager!
"I'd like to thank the rest of the Reading players because it's been a real team effort this year and the fact we've done so well has helped my cause.
"And also a big thanks to our fans, who seem to sing 'Shorey for England' every week now.
"I've had a few calls from the rest of the lads already congratulating me - hopefully I can go and perform well and see where it takes me."
Shorey will join established full internationals Michael Owen, Owen Hargreaves and Paul Robinson, as well as other newcomers Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka in McClaren's 20-man squad.
The 26-year-old added: "Obviously it's a huge honour and I'm looking forward to joining up with the rest of the players and training with them.
"The squad looks very strong, there are some world class players in it and it will be a great experience for me."