THOUSANDS of people will file into Villa Park this weekend to see England take on Portugal in a friendly.

And nobody will be more proud than the grandad of England's newest recruit David Dunn.

When the Blackburn Rovers ace was told he had made the senior squad the first thing he did was call his 64-year-old grandad Dave -- who was in a supermarket in Accrington.

He said: "He told me he was in and I asked 'you're in where?' When he said he had made the squad, I was made up. It's absolutely brilliant."

The fact that Dave was the first person the midfielder told is testament to the bond the pair have.

As a youngster David practically grew up at the Great Harwood home of grandparents Dave and Alice.

Today that same house is littered with evidence of an already-famous footballer on his way to even bigger things.

Outside a set of goalposts grace a manicured lawn, where David would hone the very skills which have seen him establish himself as a leading light in the Premiership.

Inside photographs hang off the walls of a 14-year-old David signing his schoolboy contract with Rovers, and then his professional forms three years later. His grandad is on them all.

And nestled between them is a framed England cap from his time with the Under 21s.

On Saturday Dave is hoping to add a senior cap to the growing hall of fame.

The former fork-lift truck driver, who will be in the crowd with a party of seven friends and family, said: "I will be so proud if he comes on. It would be great if he gets a game and then scores a goal."

When Dave talks about his footballing grandson, his enthusiasm is obvious.

In the early 50s Dave was on Rovers' books as an old-fashioned inside right.

He blamed a lack of support for his career not progressing -- something he can not be accused of with David.

Like a schoolmaster Dave would make his protege practise in the driveway, encouraging him to kick with both feet as "he wouldn't play for anyone if he couldn't use both feet".

If he made a mistake the young David would be made to do four press ups.

Such hard work has paid off, as David, 22, stands on the threshold of super stardom.

And he has nothing but praise for his grandad and mentor.

Speaking on a break from training he said: "There have been a lot of people who have helped me on my way, but my grandad is the main one without doubt.

"He had put a lot time and effort in with me so I was pleased for him as I was for myself when got the call. This is his dream as much as it is mine."