BIRTHDAY boy Alex Smithies says he’d love the chance to impress for England at Under 21 level – but that playing well for Town is his priority.

Like Galpharm teammate Jordan Rhodes, the keeper, who turns 20 tomorrow, was overlooked by boss Stuart Pearce for last night’s clash with Greece at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium, which England lost 2-1.

But the Football Association regularly have a representative at Town’s home games, with Steve Wigley present for last Saturday’s League I Leeds derby.

The next Under 21 games are in Portugal and at home to Lithuania in early September, providing the likes of Smithies and Rhodes with even more incentive to shine.

Both James Berrett and Michael Collins have played for the Republic of Ireland Under 21s in recent seasons.

But no Town player has figured for England at that level since Andy Booth won three caps between April 1995 and October 1996.

Smithies has already played for England at Under 16, 17, 18 and 19 level and admits he is eager to add to those achievements. But the Town academy product pointed out: “There is plenty of young talent in our team, so that could be why the FA keep coming to our matches.

“It’s a huge honour to play for your country, and like any player, I want to do it, but call-ups have to be earned. The best thing is to try to keep doing the business for the club, keep my place in the side here and then see what happens.

“Of course international football is fantastic, but I try not to think too far head. My focus is on playing well for Town and helping us pick up points.

“If an international call-up comes along then great, but it’s not something I think about all the time.”

Smithies will spend his birthday at Town’s training base in Portsmouth, where they remain after Tuesday’s 5-0 defeat to Southampton, in order to prepare for their test at Gillingham on Saturday.