ROB Holding intends to use his big opportunity with England Under-21s to prove he is worthy of all the attention he has been getting back home in Bolton.

The young defender was called up last weekend for the Toulon Tournament, which began last night with a group game against Portugal.

Holding may have been a surprise inclusion for the Young Lions, and is one of just five players plying their trade outside the Premier League.

But while the 20-year-old accepts he is learning his trade among the top names at international level, he sees his call-up as a chance to show why he is rated so highly at the Macron Stadium.

“There are players at the lower ends of the leagues and if they can get into the first team, take their chance and play games, you can get noticed,” he told The FA.

“It’s a knock-on effect. If you get that chance to play and take it by playing well, you’ll be kept in the loop for things coming up in the future.”

Holding was a relative unknown – even in Wanderers circles – up until the start of this season but his breakthrough campaign has been watched by a steady stream of Premier League scouts.

Arsenal, looking to pick up a bargain prior to his international call, have already seen one bid rejected.

But while Holding says he is focused on his career with the Whites, the club’s financial situation is such that a realistic bid cannot be dismissed out of hand.

Dean Holdsworth claimed earlier this week any negotiations for the likes of Holding or Zach Clough would be made “on our terms” but his hand would be strengthened significantly if Holding were to impress in front of the watching world and their scouts in France.

International duty in the world’s most prestigious under-21 competition is certainly a far cry from the family holiday Holding had planned. But the Tameside-born defender wouldn’t have it any other way.

“When I got the call-up, on standby initially, I was thrilled,” he said. “So when I got a call the following weekend to say that I was needed, I was over the moon.

“I didn’t even realise I was being watched until Gareth Southgate saw me against Hull at the end of the season.

“It’s a good end to the season for me. I want to finish on a high after the struggles and sad time of relegation.

“But for me personally to have that break and then straight to being called up for England, it can’t get much better than that.”

Holding met up with the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Nathan Redmond, Nathaniel Chalobah and Callum Chambers at St George’s Park at the start of the week and now has three more guaranteed group games against Guinea, Paraguay and Japan to come before a potential third/fourth play-off or a final.

Adjusting to a higher standard of football will be a challenge but there are many at Wanderers backing Holding to impress if he gets a chance on the pitch.

“It’s a lot faster and I’ve been getting used to it but that’s what it needs to be,” he admitted. “That’s the step up and I’m hopeful I can deal with it.

“I knew a few of the players because there’s a few big names in terms of where they’re playing, but it’s a good set of lads and they’ve accepted me into the group fine.

“I’ve really enjoyed myself so far and am massively looking forward to it. I can’t wait to get started now and pull the shirt on.

“Even if it’s just for 10 minutes at the end of a game, just to wear the shirt and play will be a great honour.”

If he gets the chance to earn a cap Holding will join an impressive list of Wanderers to have gained Under-21 honours with England.

Fabrice Muamba, Marvin Sordell, Nicky Hunt, Kevin Nolan, Peter Reid, Daniel Sturridge, Jack Wilshere and Alan Thompson have also gained caps with the Young Lions while with the Whites.

Mark Davies and Benik Afobe were both called up to squads but had to pull out because of injury, while Josh Vela is among the players who have been placed on standby.