SOUTHEND United youngster Charlie Kelman was left jumping for joy after receiving an international call up for the United States of America.

The 16-year-old striker, who is based in Wickford, has been selected for an under 18 training camp.

And Kelman discovered the news just moments after finishing an exam.

“I had just come out of my biology exam when my mum called me,” said the forward.

“It was a bit of a surprise and I just jumped up into the air.

“All the hard work you do leads to moments like this and I Was really happy it happened.”

Kelman will now be part of the training camp in Kansas ahead of an international tournament which takes place in August.

And the youngster qualifies to play for America due to his father.

“My dad is an American citizen and I lived there for six years myself,” said Kelman.

“We had a few phone calls but it was out of the blue really and came as a really nice surprise.”

Kelman has been with Blues for the past 18 months and was spotted while scoring seven goals in one game for Hornchurch.

And the Shrimpers’ academy manager Ricky Duncan was delighted by Kelman’s call up.

“It’s great for the academy and it’s great for Charlie as well,” said Duncan.

“I think they have always kept an eye on Charlie because he was doing well when he played in America when he was younger.

“His dad posts things about Southend too and I really am so pleased for Charlie and his family.

“He’s a great prospect for us and it’s going to be a superb experience for him.”