Disappointment turned to joy for Tom Djamaluddin when he was picked for the British Colleges squad.

The 18-year-old defender, from Burgess Hill, was chosen after being dumped by English Schools under-18s after a final trial. The Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College student had originally turned his back on the Colleges to concentrate on his Schools' bid.

But now the former Burgess Hill youth player will be in the squad to take on English Universities at Warwick University on March 11 before he joins the Colleges' tour to Trinidad and Tobago later in the month.

Djamaluddin, who has played in the County League with Hurstpierpoint, said: "The call up came as a surprise after what happened. I'm very grateful to the Colleges for keeping faith with me and am honoured to be representing my country.

"I was disappointed England-wise. I'd done reasonably okay up until the final trial with kids who were linked with pro clubs like Bolton, Gillingham and Hartlepool. Funnily enough the trial was against British Colleges who won 5-0 and I didn't play that well in that game.

"But the College had seen me before and when they found out England didn't want me they said 'we do'.

"It was all a bit confusing but it hasn't worked out too badly, although I'm sure I'll get some stick from the College lads over that 5-0 defeat."

It is the second year in a row that Sussex and BHASVIC have produced an under-18s international following the English Schools' under-18s call-up for Ollie Rowland, now a professional with Crystal Palace.

Djamaluddin, who played for Hassocks under-15s and under-16s, said: "Ollie has been a bit of an inspiration for me.

"The reason I first came to the college was because I'd heard that you got a chance to progress as a footballer. Hopefully I can keep on following him."

Djamaluddin's Sussex and BAHSVIC manager Alan Sanders is delighted for his protege.

He said: "I wasn't there for the final England trial so I can't say he deserved to be picked. But I had no doubt he could cope with the level. It might have been difficult at a trial because he is very consistent rather the dominant.

"I'm pleased the Colleges have come in for him because it is good for him, the college and the county."

Djamaluddin helped BHASVIC reach the second round of the English Schools under-19s Cup with a 5-2 victory over Brockhill Park.

Rob Neal (2), Pat Harding, Tom Levitt and an own goal saw them through to a tie against Strodes Sixth Form College (Surrey) or St Francis Xavier (Inner London).

Chichester High beat Esher Co llege 4-1.