David Wheater will take the next step in his journey from League Two to England international when he captains the Under-21s against Wales.The Middlesbrough centre-back, 21, was on loan at Darlington last season but has established himself at The Riverside since.

He will skipper England's youngsters as Steven Taylor has been rested for the friendly at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground.

Wheater could also make his senior debut later this month as he is in the squad for the matches against USA and Trinidad & Tobago.

"To be named captain is a fantastic honour," said Wheater.

"I didn't expect to be at Middlesbrough this season, I thought I may have been going out on loan, but the manager put me in and it's just gone on from there. I've got my Under-21s call-up and then the seniors."

Despite being an autograph-hunter, Wheater will not be asking his heroes for signatures when he meets up with the seniors.

"Going to meet John Terry and Rio Ferdinand will be great but I won't be taking my autograph book," he added.

Tom Huddlestone, Theo Walcott and Gabriel Agbonlahor are also in both Under-21 and senior squads, as is Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce believes Hart has the potential to establish himself as a regular in the senior squad.

"He's taken his chance and established a claim to be Manchester City's first-choice goalkeeper and in my opinion he's gone beyond that as well," Pearce said.

"He's been a major part of this squad and has potential to achieve whatever he wants.

"He's got a bit of everything - shot-stopping, distribution and he's 6ft 5in. I have a feeling he has a temperament that will take everything in his stride.

"I hope he keeps his first-team berth at Man City next season, I'm sure he will.

"On top of that, hopefully he can stay in the senior squad."

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