LUKE YOUNG has lifted the gloom hanging over Charlton's depressing end of season with a first call up into England's international squad for the tour of America at the end of the month.

The 25-year-old right-back replaces Manchester United's Gary Neville who withdrew with an injury.

The call-up follows Young winning the accloade of Charlton's Player of the Year and becoming a father for the first time.

He said: "This is just the latest bit of great news for me in what has been a fantastic year. I was thrilled with winning the Player of the Year award, then I became a dad for the first time and now I've been called up for England.

"I don't have any nerves about being called up and I just want to get out on the training pitch and show people what I'm about. Hopefully, I can do well enough to be a part of future England squads.

"I would certainly love to be a part of the squad that plays in the World Cup qualifiers but I need to take one step at a time."

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley, added: "I'm delighted for Luke, it's a fantastic reward for his great season. His Player of the Year award showed his performances were noted on the terraces, and the same is clearly true with Sven.

"It will be a great experience for him personally, and from the club's point of view it's again proof that the England set-up keeps a close eye on what's happening at The Valley."