SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has expressed his pride after seeing a trio of former Shrimpers loanees selected in the starting line-up for England under 21s’ 4-0 win against Denmark.

Striker Cauley Woodrow, winger Jacob Murphy and Sam McQueen - who now lines up at left-back - were all chosen by Three Lions boss Aidy Boothroyd for the friendly in Randers.

And Brown was delighted to see three former Blues players earning international recognition.

“Most of the credit must go to their parent clubs and the players themselves but they’ve been with us and you can’t help but feel proud when you see them all playing in the same England under 21s team,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“All three of the lads had fantastic attitudes.

“They came to us to sample league football and to get some wool on their back at that stage of their footballing journey.

Echo:

Goalscorer - Cauley Woodrow

“At that time maybe they weren’t too sure where their careers were going but obviously we all keep tabs on how they’re doing.

“Thankfully, they’ve all done brilliantly and if we’ve been able to help with that in some small way then that is also fantastic.”

Woodrow, who was among the goalscorers for England in the comprehensive win, bagged four goals in 22 appearances while on loan with Blues from Fulham during the first half of the 2013/14 season.

He is currently back out on loan with Burton Albion and has hit four goals in seven starts with the Brewers.

Murphy - who scored once in eight games while on loan with the Shrimpers from Norwich in 2014 - is still with the Canaries and the winger has hit the back of the net 10 times already this term.

McQueen was with Blues from Southampton for the second half of last season, scoring twice in 18 games.

Echo:

Winger - Jacob Murphy

And Brown has been particularly intrigued by McQueen’s progress with the Saints.

“Sam was an attacking player when he came to us but since he’s gone back to Southampton he’s been playing as a left-back and has been involved in some top games for them,” said Brown.

“Cauley also has a massive future in the game because I think he’s a natural goalscorer and Jacob has really come on too.

“He’s usurped his twin brother Josh at Norwich now and I wish all three of them the best for the future.”