A year to remember

For Nicky Shorey, life just can't get any better at the moment.

If a hugely successful debut season in the Premier League and a call-up to the England 'B' squad were not enough, he just found out he's been included in the starting XI to face Albania on Friday.

Chuck in his stag do this Saturday and wedding a few weeks later, it's no surprise to see the left-back walking around the England team hotel with a broad grin extending across his bronzed face.

"I'm looking forward to everything," said the amiable Shorey. "I just want to enjoy every moment."

One such moment to savour will be at 7.45pm on Friday evening when Shorey will make his international debut. "To find out I was in the team was really nice," he added. "I'll be a bit nervous, but I think that's a good thing. Nerves always help you to focus."

Shorey is certainly enjoying his football at the moment. From his early days with Leyton Orient, the 26 year old has risen through the ranks, comfortably negotiating the top division - a feat rewarded with a phone call from Steve McClaren asking him to join the 'B' squad.

"I thought my brother was trying to wind me up," said Shorey, recalling the moment he listened to a voicemail from McClaren informing him of his call-up.

But it was not a crank call and Shorey met up with his England team-mates earlier this week.

"I was a bit nervous, very nervous," he said of his first training session.

"Doing a little warm-up then you are in the squares. The ball is zipping about and you have got to handle it straight away. I just tried to concentrate on what I usually do and let the nerves go. Thankfully that happened."

While Shorey is a newcomer, the squad is littered with experience.

Michael Owen, England's fourth highest goalscorer, will make his long awaited return up front while Phil Neville, veteran of 56 caps, will play at right-back.

The Reading star is enjoying brushing shoulders with such established internationals.

"The squad is very strong. It's nice to be involved with these sort of players and training with them. It can only help me."

And how does Mr Owen look in training?

"He looks good. We played Newcastle not long ago. We saw him at first hand and he was very lively on the night. He's looked really good in training."