FORMER Basildon schoolboy Michael Kightly today spoke of his joy after being called up for the England under 21 squad.

The winger is one of just 21 players to be picked by manager Stuart Pearce for his side's forthcoming friendly with Romania on Tuesday.

And, just 12 months on playing non league football with Grays Athletic, Kightly - who started his career with Southend United - could not believe the news.

"It's unbelievable and I have to sometimes pinch myself to make sure these kind of things are actually happening to me," said the 21-year-old.

"Joining Wolves was a massive thing but being picked for the second highest level of the England team is just amazing and the best thing that has ever happened to me."

Kightly will join the squad, which also includes West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble and Arsenal striker Theo Walcott, following Wolves' match at Sheffield Wednesday this Sunday.

The ex Chalvedon pupil cannot wait to get started and is relishing working with Pearce, who won 78 senior caps for his country.

"He's a real legend in the game and I'm sure he will improve me," said Kightly.

"This time last year I remember doing an interview with the Echo and I said my target was to make the non league England team so this is fantastic."

But despite the rapid rise in fortune, Kightly added he would not be getting carried away by his success.

"My feet will stay firmly on the ground and the most important thing is that I keep playing well for my club," he said.

"That is what has given me this chance and I have to keep on playing well.

"Hopefully I can do that for England too and I can make my debut on Tuesday."

The match with Romania will take place at Bristol City's Ashton Gate and Kightly is hoping to do enough to earn further call-ups for the European Championship qualifiers away at Montenegro and Bulgaria.

"If I play in any of the qualifiers then I will be able to play in the main event," revealed Kightly.

"That would be also be brilliant to be involved with."

Full squad: Alnwick (Tottenham), Hart (Man City), Martin Craine (Portsmouth), Gardner (Aston Villa), Mancienne (Chelsea), Onuoha (Man City), A Taylor (Middlesbrough), S Taylor (Newcastle), Huddlestone (Tottenham), Johnson (Middlesbrough), Kightly (Wolves), Milner (Newcastle), Muamba (Birmingham), Noble (Birmingham), Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Blackstock (QPR), Derbyshire (Blackburn), Moore (Aston Villa), Walcott (Arsenal).