Barmby set for England bow

United schoolboy Jack Barmby has been named in the England Under-16 squad for this Thursday’s Sky Sports Victory Shield clash with Northern Ireland.

Still only 14, Barmby has forced his way into Kenny Swain’s squad on the back of some impressive performances for the Reds in the pre-season Manchester United Premier Cup and in regular U16 games. A tall and skilful winger, the Essex-born youngster is a promising talent in his own right, but much of the focus will naturally be on his famous surname – father Nick, still playing for Hull City, accumulated 23 full England caps during a career that has seen him score in the top flight for six different clubs (Spurs, Middlesbrough, Everton, Liverpool, Leeds and Hull for trivia fans).

Barmby is the only United representative in the squad for Thursday’s game at Chester City’s Deva Stadium, although Reds U16 skipper Luke Hendrie (another son of a famous footballing father, former Bradford and Middlesbrough forward John) was named in the initial squad before later withdrawing. Centre-half Tyler Blackett, who along with Hendrie started England’s first Victory Shield match against Wales, hasn’t been included this time.

The game will be televised live on Sky Sports, and for those tuning in to keep an eye on the progress of England and Barmby, a couple of other players are worth keeping an eye on from a United perspective. QPR starlet Raheem Sterling, a late call-up to England’s squad, has been heavily linked with the Reds in the media in recent days – he is another attacker who is still just 14. On the other side, Northern Ireland centre-half Luke McCullough, of Portadown College, has spent time at United on trial and is still very much on the club’s radar.

Kick-off is at 7.40pm on Thursday, and anyone wanting to go along and watch the game can do so for £3 admission (£1 concessions). You can find all the necessary details here.