Albion prospect Adam Hinshelwood thought his England call-up was just a wind-up.

Hinshelwood today revealed his fear that he had become the latest victim of a hoax by the Seagulls notorious prankster, assistant manager Bob Booker.

The versatile defender and team-mate Dan Harding were both named yesterday in Peter Taylors England under 21 squad for the European Championship qualifiers against Wales at Blackburn next Friday and in Azerbaijan four days later.

Hinshelwood, 20, said: The gaffer (Mark McGhee) called me into his office after training. I didnt have a clue what it was for.

I was completely shocked when he told me. I thought he was winding me up and after he told me Bob said Were only joking.

I didnt know what to think then. It hasnt really sunk in at all yet. When Peter Taylor was here as manager I was still in the youth team.

Hinshelwood and Harding, who is in the squad for the third time in a row, fly from Heathrow to Manchester on Monday to join up with the rest of Taylors 23-strong party.

Hopefully it will help me having Dan around, Hinshelwood said. I have not experienced it before and I think I will be a little bit nervous. He is quite pleased to have someone he knows with him as well.

Hinshelwood has been in impressive form this season in midfield, at rightback and at centre half.

He has worked his way back into favour following a drink-driving conviction last season. McGhee said: Were absolutely delighted. It represents such a turnaround for him after his disappointment of being out of the team last year.

"From the clubs point of view, to have two players in the under 21 squad is superb."

Taylor has called on Hinshelwood after West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand pulled out through injury.

"I think he is a good defender," said the Hull manager and former Albion boss. "I thought he was a good player when I was there and he has done very well to keep some good players out of the team.

"Hopefully it will be good experience for him. Dan enjoyed it the last time and I am hoping Adam will as well."

Meanwhile, McGhee has called Joel Lynch, a 16-year-old scholarship defender from Eastbourne, into the squad for todays match at Withdean against Sheffield United, because of doubts over the fitness of Guy Butters (calf).

"Joel is next down the line of all these boys who are coming through the clubs excellent youth system," McGhee said.

"I am excited about Joel. Its probably come a little bit too early for him, but sometimes extreme measures are required.

"We need cover on the bench if we dont want to move Virgs (Adam Virgo) back."