Steve Bantock will make his debut for Wales under-16s tonight after a helping hand from Albion.

Bantock, 15, plays against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin for the Pembroke Cup, an annual competition dating back to the Eighties.

The Seagulls centre of excellence player, who lives in Hove, was recommended to the Welsh FA by Albion director of football Martin Hinshelwood.

Bantock said: "I appreciate the recommendation. The Welsh FA were asking clubs whether any of their players qualified.

"Martin happened to know my mum was from Wales and put my name forward.

"Albion got me in good shape for a fitness test organised by the Welsh FA and I was among the top three fittest triallists."

Hinshelwood will be in Dublin, with Steve's father Bob, an Albion centre of excellence coach.

Bantock said: "It's good to get such strong support. It shows Albion care about my development."

He met up with the Welsh squad in Cardiff yesterday after being driven there by his mum, Angela, and Welsh uncle Tony Trembath.

Bantock, a Blatchington Mill pupil, said: "I wouldn't say Welsh is my first language but my mum and my uncle tried to give me lessons like learning the words to the nation anthem.

"I'm nervous, excited and proud. I've wanted to play for Wales since I was five. I was always aware of my Welsh heritage.

"My mum is from the Rhondda Valley and my Welsh grandparents, Glan and Sylvia Davies, live around the corner from us.

"I'll be supporting Wales against England in the World Cup qualifier next month. My dad will be on his own!"

Bantock came through two matches for Wales against German club Nedderheim under-17s last month.

He said: "I played the full 90 minutes in both games and thought my performances gave me a chance of being selected."

Bantock, who has played for Sussex under-19s, hopes to figure in this season's Home Internationals for the Victory Shield.

He could be up against Albion scholar John Sullivan tonight. Sullivan, a goalkeeper, recently earned a call-up to an England under-16s training camp, although he was unable to attend because of an elbow injury.

Albion youngsters are getting plenty of international recognition at the moment.

Richard Martin, another goalkeeping scholar, was selected for an England under-18s training camp and Dan Harding is in the under-21s' European Championship squad.

Bantock said: "International recognition is good for all of us and the club."

Hinshelwood said: "We're delighted for Steve and I'm looking forward to seeing how he gets on in Dublin."