City of Oxford College’s Kaylem Patterson was both happy and surprised after hearing he had been selected for England Schools’ Under 18s.

The 17-year-old striker, from Headington, felt he hadn’t impressed at the final trials at Lilleshall last weekend after being hampered by a minor hamstring strain.

He played a half in two games – a 5-0 win over the Royal Navy and then scored in a match involving all 32 triallists – but thought he hadn’t done enough to earn a place in the final 16.

So when the 6ft 5ins forward received news of his selection it brought a smile to his face.

Patterson, whose goals played a leading role in helping Oxford City reach the FA Youth Cup third round this season, said: “I went off adamant that I hadn’t got through, so when the letter came through on Tuesday I was quite surprised.

“It was better news than I thought.

“I was really happy. I called pretty much everyone in my family.”

And he added: It means a lot to be fair. When I was down at Lilleshall they showed us the past players of England schoolboy teams like Michael Owen, Ryan Giggs and Bobby Charlton.

“To play in the same team as people like that is quite special.”

Now he can look forward to taking part in friendlies against Australia at Stafford Town on Wednesday, February 4 and Keele University four days later.

A four-day training camp at Lilleshall follows ahead of England’s bid to retain the Centenary Shield.

They open up with home games against Wales at Truro City on February 27 and Northern Ireland at Eastleigh on March 6, before facing Scotland at Dumbarton on April 10 and the Republic of Ireland at Sligo Rovers on April 17.

Patterson, who is in the first year studying for a B-Tec Level 3 Diploma in Sport, has had trials with Reading and Aston Villa.

And he is optimistic the England call-up can help him in the future.

The former Cheney School pupil, who started playing with Quarry Under 9s, said: “I am hoping that I can pursue a career somewhere, even if it’s at Conference level or at a lower league level.

“I’m hoping for a break to play as a pro, and I think now getting into the England squad it will open more doors and the FA Youth Cup run also sparked interest.

“Speed and size are my two biggest things, and I can score goals as well.”