Albion manager Chris Hughton has hailed the astonishing progress made by Harry Kane which has earned the Spurs striker an England call-up.

Kane, 21, has been named by Roy Hodgson in the squad for games against Lithuania and Italy later this month.

Kane’s promotion is no surprise to Spurs legend Hughton after 26 goals in 42 games for Tottenham this season.

But he is surprised how rapidly Kane has improved since he had him on loan two seasons ago when manager of Norwich.

Hughton said: “His progress has been fantastic over the last season.

“I took him on loan to Norwich, I’ve known him as a young player, and if I look at even the difference from when I took him to how he is now he looks a far more mobile player, a far more confident player. I think that’s down to him playing on a regular basis.

“I don’t think anybody, apart from the ones perhaps very close to him at Tottenham, would have seen his development come as quickly as it has over the last year.

“Everybody knew that he could score a goal, was a good finisher and had a real desire to do well but you are looking at a young player now who looks a yard quicker and fitter than he has ever been.

“I think that’s down to him, the work that he’s been prepared to do and the confidence he is now showing, and the great work they have done with him at Tottenham.

“He absolutely deserves it. I don’t think it was a surprise because somebody playing that well and that consistently, what ever age he is or position, you would have expected him to be recognised and I’m really delighted for him.”

Meanwhile, Jake Forster-Caskey remains in the plans of England under-21s boss Gareth Southgate despite losing his Albion place under Hughton.

The midfielder has retained his place in the squad for matches away to this summer’s Euro finals hosts the Czech Republic in Prague on March 27 (7pm) and against Germany at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium on March 30 (7.45).

Forster-Caskey has been a regular member of the squad that won nine of their ten group games and beat Croatia in a play-off to clinch a spot in the Euro finals in June.

He was also a regular for Albion under Sami Hyypia earlier this season but has only played a part in six out of 16 matches since Hughton took charge.

Albion’s second-choice goalkeeper Christian Walton has been included again in the England under-20s squad for matches against Mexico at Barnet on March 25 (7.45pm) and the USA at his former club Plymouth on March 29 (3pm).