BOLTON-raised footballer Jack Harrison has been handed his first call-up to the England Under-21s.

The 20-year-old brought up in Bromley Cross has been starring for MLS side New York City FC in America and been receiving rave reviews.

Now his form for the team managed by former French international Patrick Vieira, in which he has netted 10 goals this season to help his team to the MLS play-offs, has earned him an international spot with Aidy Boothroyd's young Lions in place of injured Liverpool youngster Sheyi Ojo.

And the former Turton High School pupil, who quit Manchester United's academy to try his luck stateside as a 14-year-old, says he is still pinching himself at the news.

Speaking after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chicago Fire, Harrison told his club's website he cannot wait for the opportunity to pull on the England shirt.

Harrison said: “I was thrilled when I found out – I was really speechless when Patrick [Vieira] told me just before the game tonight.

"It’s an exciting opportunity and one I’m very grateful for.

“I never thought this would happen when I moved out here when I was 14.

"It’s a special moment and I’m going to cherish it.

“Every year this league is growing and you only have to watch the games to see that it’s getting better and better every year.

"I’m so excited to be travelling over and doing the best I can. It’s an honour to represent my country.”

Head coach Vieira thinks Harrison’s call-up is just reward for his excellent form throughout the season.

Harrison has often outshone team-mates such as ex-Spain and Italy internationals David Villa and Andrea Pirlo in what has been another successful year for the Stoke-born forward.

And after playing alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford as a teenager at United's academy, Vieira believes Harrison has the talent and character to emulate the Red Devils youngster and make the grade at full international level with Gareth Southgate's Three Lions.

Vieira added: "It’s really good news for Jack, it’s really good news for the football club and, of course, I’m really pleased for him because he’s improved a lot and he loves the game.

“I think it just shows how the league can be challenging for players and that it can be the right place for players to come to develop their talents.

“Jack going to play for England U21s will send a message to the players that the league is good enough to get to the international level.

“I just want him to enjoy it – it will be a great, positive experience to be surrounded by players who play in the Premier League and I just want him to show how good he is because if the manager called him, it means he deserves it.”

Harrison has teamed up with the Under-21s ahead of Friday's UEFA U21 Euro qualifying clash against Scotland at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium and the away game in Andorra on Tuesday.