DANNY Ings is looking forward to testing himself against quality opposition in England Under-21s double header this weekend, starting with the Czech Republic tonight.

Gareth Southgate’s side flew out to stay in Olomouc, their base for the European Championships in the summer, on Monday and spent four days training there and staying in the same hotel that they will be based in during the tournament in June.

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Ings believes that has been a big help for the Young Lions, with his Clarets team-mate Michael Keane also in the squad, and he is now raring to go for the two games this weekend, with Germany the visitors to Middlesbrough on Monday night.

“It’s been nice to settle in at our Euro base. We got first pick on the hotels as we’re the number one seed and it’s a great place,” said Ings.

“Two of our group games in the summer are about a mile away from the hotel which is obviously good for us.

“The training facilities are really good and the lads have looked very sharp so I think everyone is enjoying where we’re staying which bodes well for the tournament itself.

“Last time we met up we played Portugal at Turf Moor of course and France and it’s important we get the real tough games in as friendlies.

“In some of the qualifiers, with all due respect, we weren’t playing teams of that much quality at times so we need to test ourselves against the likes of the Czech Republic and Germany to get a real gauge of where we’re at, and hopefully lay down a marker.

“I’m looking forward to playing if selected and hopefully they’ll be two cracking games.”

Ings was thought to be close to a call-up to Roy Hodgson’s senior side after scoring nine goals in the Premier League this season.

But Harry Kane beat him to a place in the squad, and Ings admitted that while it is nice to be in the frame himself, he is pleased for his former U-21s team-mate Kane.

“Sometimes people pick up injuries and others go up to the seniors,” he said. “It’s fantastic for Harry as he’s a great player who deserves everything he gets.

“I hope he does extremely well for the seniors because a humble and hard-working lad who has deserved his call-up.

“If I’m selected for the U21s I’ll make sure that I do my best for the team and hopefully a few goals can come off the back of that.

“As a player it’s always nice when your football is getting recognised and even more if it’s an international level for your country.

“But I never take any of that sort of stuff for granted. I never expect to be in any of those squads I just always focus on improving every day on my game and see where that takes me in the future.”