Jake Caskey will miss the start of the season with Albion – to play for England.

The midfield prospect is part of the international under-17s squad competing in the Nordic Tournament from August 3 to 8.

Caskey was part of the England under-16s squad which triumphed in the Victory Shield last season against the other three British nations.

Now he will get the chance to play in Finland against the hosts, Denmark and Iceland. England, the holders, will then face a final match against Sweden, Scotland, Faroe Islands or Norway, depending on the results of their first three games.

Caskey is one of only three players in the 18-strong squad from a club in League One or Two. The rest are drawn from Premier League and Championship sides.

The stepson of former Albion captain Nicky Forster became the Seagulls’ youngest ever peacetime player, aged 16 and 13 days, when he came off the bench for the closing fixture of last season against Yeovil at Withdean.

Caskey decided to stay with Albion, despite interest from Arsenal and Aston Villa. His scholarship deal will turn into a two-year professional contract on his 17th birthday.

Albion’s home match against promoted Notts County has been brought forward 24 hours to Friday December 17 (7.45) to comply with the Withdean playing regulations.