Keeper Frank Fielding stunned by senior England call-up

Frank Fielding lost in the League Two play-offs with Rochdale two years ago

Rochdale's promotion-winning goalkeeper Frank Fielding admits that he was shocked to earn an England call-up for Wednesday's friendly against Hungary.

"I couldn't quite believe it. I don't think it's really hit home," said the the young Blackburn keeper, who spent last season on loan at Spotland.

Fielding played for England's Under-21s in their 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan at Ashton Gate on Tuesday night.

But he was then promoted to cover Ben Foster's withdrawal from the squad.

Fielding also ironically benefited by the surprise retirement from international football of his Blackburn clubmate Paul Robinson.

That opened the door for Fielding, who was told the news of his elevation to the full squad by England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce.

"He spoke to me Monday afternoon and told me that I've been asked to go along with the seniors," said Fielding. "The only time I've been to Wembley was when we had the Under-21 game against Portugal last year."

Rochdale boss Keith Hill insists that Fielding, although yet to make a first team appearance for Blackburn, will not have been overawed by rubbing shoulders with England's big names.

"He won't be fazed," said Hill. "He's got a lot of confidence and he'll take it in his stride.

"It'll be an unbelievable experience for him to be on that training pitch with the likes of Frank Lampard and Stephen Gerrard.

"I'm very surprised, but he's very mature for his age. Stuart Pearce knows him well from the Under 21's and wouldn't have made the suggestion if he didn't think he was capable of stepping up to the mark."

Fielding, who spent the evening on the bench at Wembley, had only made two previous appearances for England's Under 21s, both as a substitute.

But he has clocked up almost 100 career appearances, having spent the 2007/08 season on loan at Wycombe, as well as having had two separate loan spells at Rochdale and another at Northampton.

And Pearce thinks that being involved with Fabio Capello's senior squad will prove a huge boost for the youngster.

"Ask him on Thursday morning if he's benefited over the past few days and how his parents feel about the opportunity.

"They'll be over the moon, but to even be around the squad at such a young age is fantastic for Frankie."