Lewis Dunk has been told his England call-up is a reward for hard work.

But a coach who watched him come though the Albion ranks still reckons he could play further forward.

Dunk has been named in the under-21 squad for next two Euro qualifiers.

The Albion centre-back is one of nine defenders in the running to face Iceland at Colchester a week tonight, then Belgium away four days later.

Albion director of football Martin Hinshelwood said: “Dunky came to us from Wimbledon as an under-13 and has worked hard.

“He is comfortable on the ball and he has got pace. He could perhaps still be a bit more aggressive in winning the ball but that will come.

“I still think he could play in the middle of the park.”

This is Brighton-born Dunk’s his first call-up to the squad although he was on standby for their most recent fixtures.

Under-21s boss Stuart Pearce has watched him at The Amex this season.

Meanwhile Albion midfielder Jake Forster-Caskey has been named in the England under-18 squad for the trip to Slovakia on November 16.

The call-up is not a surprise. Forster-Caskey played and impressed for the same England side when they were under-17s at the World Cup last season.