David Wheater has credited Darlington with helping him win his call-up to the senior England squad for next week's friendly against France.It caps a remarkable rise for the 21-year-old Middlesbrough defender, who has made only 40 appearances for Boro's first team after coming through their youth system.

Wheater spent three months of last season on loan at League Two side Darlington, and he admitted an appearance at the Stade de France next Wednesday was the last thing on his mind at the start of this term.

"It has capped off a good year for me and hopefully I can keep playing well and get in the full squad when it gets cut down," Wheater told Boro's official website.

"I was at Darlo this time last year but that's what you need - go in low and you get the experience and the confidence with it and I've come into the Premier League and done well.

"I didn't think I'd be in the first team here. I thought I might go back to Darlo or something. But there were a few injuries at the start and I took my chance and it's just gone on from there."

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