Tristan Nydam is linking up with England Under-19s full of confidence following his surprise start for Ipswich Town on Saturday.

The 17-year-old midfielder was initially named on the bench for Saturday’s Championship visit of Bristol City, but ended up replacing Tom Adeyemi in the line-up at the last minute after the former injured his hamstring during the warm-up.

Nydam’s performance, which was full of grit, bravery and attempts at positive play, ended up being a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing 3-1 defeat. He was named the sponsors’ pick of the Blues players.

“I get very nervous before games so in a way it was good that I didn’t have time to think about it,” said the versatile academy graduate, who now has five senior starts and four substitute appearances to his name at the start of this breakthrough season.

“Being nervous is no bad thing though. I think it can actually make me play better. Anyway, I have my faith and I knew the Lord would help me.”

Stuart says: Five observations from Ipswich Town’s 3-1 home defeat to Bristol City.

Nydam was born in Harare, Zimbabwe and says he grew up playing barefoot on the streets. He moved to England at age of seven after his parents split, his mother joining family in Colchester.

Tristan’s brother Miguel, who is five years his senior, was the one initially scouted by Town after impressing on park pitches, but he was let go after three years. Tristan, who joined the club age nine, was handed a two-year professional deal as soon as he turned 16.

Capped by England at various age groups, the versatile teenager – who had not ruled out playing for Zimbabwe one day – is now established at Under-19 level for the Young Three Lions.

“It has been quite a weekend with me starting and now going off with England,” he said, with away games against the Czech Republic (Friday) and Slovakia (next Monday) coming up.

“It’s an honour and I have learned a lot being with players from so many different clubs.”

• Like our Facebook page for all the latest Blues news.

He added: “The manager (Mick McCarthy) has been great to push through young players like Doz (Andre Dozzell), Flynn (Downes) and myself. I know I have got loads to learn about the game, but I’m at a great place to do that.

“When I look at where I am, I am probably ahead of schedule. I’m targeting maybe 10 starts this season.”