TOWN manager Peter Jackson is astounded two of his emerging young stars have not earned England Under 20 call-ups.

Jackson felt defenders David Mirfin and Andy Holdsworth were primed to be included for the match against Holland at the Galpharm Stadium on Sunday, October 10 (12.30).

But coach Nigel Pearson has decided to stick largely with players from the Premiership and Championship for his first match in charge - and a first match at this level since last year.

"I'm extremely surprised our lads are not included - it's astonishing," said Jackson, who believes Town fans would have turned out in force to see them.

"It's just the same situation as Jonathan Stead with the England Under 21 side.

"As soon as he signed for Blackburn and did well in a couple of games, he was straight into the international set-up.

"Steady was ready four months before that and I feel both David Mirfin and Andy Holdsworth are ready now to play at Under 20 level.

"I rate them both highly and they certainly wouldn't be disgraced playing for their country.

"I would have been pretty disappointed if only one of them had been included, but to find out neither of them has been selected on home soil is very strange indeed."

Holdsworth (pictured right) and Mirfin have been ever- presents for Town this season and will now be on duty for their club on the international weekend, when Jackson takes his team to Torquay.