Matt Richards last night spoke of his pride and delight at being selected for the England Under-21s to play Ukraine on Tuesday, writes Derek Davis.Ian Westlake and Darren Bent make up a trio of Blues players in Peter Taylor's party for the game at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium.

Matt Richards last night spoke of his pride and delight at being selected for the England Under-21s to play Ukraine on Tuesday, writes Derek Davis.

Ian Westlake and Darren Bent make up a trio of Blues players in Peter Taylor's party for the game at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium.

Richards heard of his and Westlake's first call into the national squad as they were travelling on the Ipswich team coach to Derby last night.

He said: "There had been talk of it being a possibility but to actually get the call-up was a terrific thrill.

"I'm really excited by the prospect of playing for England and even if I don't actually get on I'm delighted just to be involved in the squad.

"It is also tremendous for the Academy. Once again three players who have graduated have been called up by England."

The two new boys will be able to turn to Bent, who is a relatively old hand after making his Under-21s debut almost two years ago.

Richards said: "Darren has been telling us what to expect and how things work. Westy is as pleased as I am to be selected. He really deserves this call-up as he had a brilliant season, especially towards the end when he was playing really well."

Richards, 19, is no stranger to facing foreign opposition after making his Blues UEFA Cup debut against Avenir Beggen at 17 – Ipswich's youngest European debutant.