TEENAGE Saints midfielder Oscar Gobern has received his first ever England call-up.

The 18 year-old has been drafted into the Three Lions under-19 squad for Tuesday’s friendly against Russia at Shrewsbury Town’s ProStar Stadium.

Gobern joins the squad as a replacement for Tottenham midfielder John Bostock, who has pulled out through injury.

Also in the 18-man England party are former Saints academy scholar Nile Ranger, now of Newcastle United, and highly-rated Crystal Palace full-back Nathaniel Clyne, who narrowly pipped Gobern to last seasons' Football League Apprentice of the Year award.

Gobern said: "I must admit I was a little bit surprised when I got the call, but it's a huge honour to be selected for your country.

"I was told the news on Friday by Dean Wilkins and I will go and meet with the team after the game today and then train with them on Sunday.

"I know a few of the other lads, so I'm looking forward to the whole experience. It's going to be good just to be involved, but I have belief in my own abilities and it would be fantastic if I get to come on and do well too."

Birmingham-born Gobern broke into the Saints first-team set up as a 17 year-old at the start of last season after catching the eye in pre-season.

And he made an immediate impact on his competitive debut for the club, playing a starring role in Saints’ dramatic 3-2 win against Preston last in November.

He went onto make a further six appearances for Saints last term and has made three substitute appearances this season under Alan Pardew.