DANNY Ings wants to follow former England under 21 team-mate Saido Berahino into Roy Hodgson’s senior squad one day – as he prepares to represent his country at Turf Moor on Thursday.

Ings is set to make his sixth appearance for Gareth Southgate’s under 21 team when they take on Portugal in a friendly in Burnley this week, with fellow Clarets Nathaniel Chalobah and Michael Keane also due to feature.

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Ings is relishing the opportunity to feature at Turf Moor and is taking inspiration from West Bromwich Albion striker Berahino’s recent graduation from the under 21s to the full squad, with the Clarets ace also having ambitions to play for the England senior team in the future.

“If you’re scoring goals for your club in the Premier League, doors open,” Ings said.

“It’s happened to him and fair play to the lad, he’s a fantastic striker and a great finisher.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to follow in his footsteps so maybe in the future, you never know.”

Berahino’s ascent to the senior squad could give Ings a chance to establish himself as a regular starter ahead of next summer European Under 21 Championships in the Czech Republic.

Tottenham’s Harry Kane is also in the squad, along with fellow strikers Patrick Bamford, Callum Wilson and Cauley Woodrow.

“One door opens for someone else and it opens for you as well to follow that,” said Ings of the opportunity to fill Berahino’s boots in the under 21s.

“There are a lot of good strikers in the country but if I’m given the nod I will do my best for my country.

“It’s going to be a cold night here on Thursday but it will be a good night if I can play a part.

“Obviously it’s down to Gareth Southgate and his staff to pick the side but even if I get a minute on the pitch or in the squad it will be fantastic for me.

“Last year there were a lot of moments for me that were meaningful for me and my career.

“This is another one and another I’m really looking forward to.”

Ings has been in impressive form since his return from a hamstring injury, scoring his first Premier League goal against Everton a fortnight ago and helping Burnley claim their first win in the top flight against Hull on Saturday.

“The win on Saturday felt fantastic, not just for me but for the team and the crowd as well, because they were fantastic," he said.

“It was important we got that win before the international break."

The striker will soon launch his own personal community scheme offering a 12-week football coaching to seven disabled schools in Burnley.

“I’ll be going down to the schools and seeing the kids as well," he said.

"We’ll be doing disability football, wheelchair football, and I think we’ll be looking to create a Burnley disability team to compete."