Andrew Taylor will tonight step out as City's first England under-21 international for six years.

The 19-year-old left back is in the squad for the friendly against Denmark in Herning - after just three senior games.

"I couldn't believe it when the secretary Jon Pollard rang to tell me," admitted Taylor. "At first I thought it was a wind-up but then the women from the FA called. It was totally unexpected.

"I was just going out shopping with a friend in Leeds but I couldn't concentrate. I couldn't wait to tell everyone that I'd been picked.

"It went well for me with the under-19s in the European Championships but I never expected to be called up by the under-21s so soon afterwards.

"You look at the rest of the squad and they've got a lot of Premiership experience. You've got the likes of Dean Ashton, Stewart Downing and then Kieran Richardson who played with the full team in America.

"I don't know if I'll play a part or not but I'm just over the moon to be picked."

Taylor, who is on a season-long loan from Middlesbrough, was drafted in by coach Peter Taylor after injuries to Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone and Fulham defender Liam Rosenior.

Taylor only made his league debut at Hartlepool ten days ago and Colin Todd has been thrilled by his progress.

Todd said: "Andrew has been tremendous considering this is his first competitive league football. He looks a very accomplished player.

"He did very well for England under-19s but obviously having a taste of it at this level has brought him to the attention of the under-21 coach."

Taylor is excited by City's prospects this season.

He added: "I love it down here. It's better to be playing first-team football than in the reserves and the side are looking very good.

"I thought we played really well on Saturday and could have been at least five up by half-time. But we'll take any kind of win."

Andy O'Brien, now at Portsmouth, was the last player to appear for England under-21s while with City. He played against France in 1999 before becoming a full international with the Republic of Ireland.