McNeil is hoping for England opportunity

The 19-year-old trained with the senior side on Tuesday after impressing manager Gareth Southgate.

McNeil will make his bow for the under 20's today at St George's Park before flying out to Portugal with the squad.

"I don't mind because it's my first trip away. I'm just trying to take it one step at a time at the minute and work my way up," said McNeil.

"I've just got to work from here. There are some good players in it.

"Out wide they've got Grady Diangana and there's a couple of lads from Grimsby and a couple of lads from Ipswich. It'll be a really good test for me.

The rising star highlighted how being selected for his country is a big moment for him and revealed who told him of the call-up.

"It's a big moment for me and my family. I’m happy to be with the under 20s and hopefully, I can be involved in both games in Portugal," McNeil added.

"I got told on Thursday, I was really happy to get the opportunity and hopefully, I can take it well.

"The gaffer let me know and then somebody from England told me as well.

"I was really happy because I've only trained with them once so it's great to be a part of it. It's going to be a good trip away with the lads.

"It gives you that extra bit of confidence and a little bit of belief. The main aim is to try and stay in this team but beyond that it's to try and stay in the Premier League.

McNeil added how under 20s manager Paul Simpson said he'd keep an eye out for him in the previous training camp.

"It shows that I'm not far off it. It's a good opportunity for me to show what I can do," he said.

"On my last training camp he (Paul Simpson) said he was going to keep an eye out for me. I'll speak to him when I get down there.

"Thursday's game is at St George's Park and then we'll fly out to Portugal to play.

"It would be nice to make my first appearance, that's all I want to do really. It would be nice to have that under my belt."