Tom Djamaluddin is a step away from the English Schools FA under-18s squad.

The 18-year-old Sussex defender from Burgess Hill has made it to the final 32 trial at Lilleshall on January 14-15 following a selection weekend at the same venue.

The Brighton, Hove, and Sussex Sixth Form College centre-back, formerly a pupil at Downlands in Hassocks, hopes to follow the path of former county team-mate Ollie Rowland.

Rowland played for England last season and clinched a professional deal with Crystal Palace.

Djamaluddin said: "It would be wonderful to make it all the way and play for England and then I'd like to find a professional club. It is what I really want to do."

He has been used as a full back during the selection process.

The former Burgess Hill youth player has enjoyed the experience.

He said: "It has been fun. You are more involved in the game, pushing forward for instance. But I don't mind where I play as long as I get in the final squad."

l Sussex Schools lost two of their three games against Middlesex last Thursday. The under-14s went down 3-2 despite two goals from Jake Robinson, the under-15s lost 3-1 but the under-16s managed a 1-1 draw.