Andrew Hodd hopes to cap a brilliant season with an England under-19s World Under call-up.

The 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, from Bexhill, has been hailed as Sussex's junior player of the year by Academy director Chris Waller.

This week he takes part in a trial at Shifnal, Shropshire, along with Second X1 regular Chris Nash (Horsham). The tournament takes place in New Zealand after Christmas.

Hodd said: "The selectors have already picked most of the squad but there are about five places left. Chris and I are hoping to fill two of them. It would be a fantastic honour for me after a good summer."

The Horsham Club cricketer is relieved England have not ignored him after he snubbed selectors in July.

He said: "I had the chance to play for England under-17s but Chris Waller and I had a chat and we both agreed it would be of greater benefit to me if I concentrated on the under-19s and it has proved to be the right decision."

Hodd has averaged around 50 this season with The Sussex Academy, Sussex under-19s and Sussex League premier division title favourites Horsham.

He said: "I've got a couple of centuries and 50s. I think I raise my level because I'm usually the youngest in whatever team I play for."

Hodd believes his wicketkeeping has also improved this season.

He said: "I don't really focus on it too much, it just happens. I think wicketkeepers get noticed if they make runs."

Hodd admitted he owed a big debt to Waller, who will coach the older junior age groups next season when the county academy is replaced by an ECB-run set-up directed by former Sussex batsman Keith Greenfield.

The Bexhill Sixth Form College student said: "Chris has done a lot for me and he's helped produced quite a few seniors. Overall the academy under him has done well."

Hodd, who has played in the Second X1 this summer, wants to be a professional with Sussex, but is unsure of his future.

He said: "I've been with the county since under-11s and turning pro with Sussex is my No.1 choice. But I'll look elsewhere if the opportunity doesn't come along."

Nash, 18, who captained England under-18s to a draw against the West Indies at Durham recently, is hopeful Sussex will have two players in New Zealand next January.

He said: "We'll give it our best shot. I've been close to it a couple of times, this time I intend to make it with Hoddy."

Waller feels Hodd, winner of the Darren Webb Memorial development scholarship this year, has shone in a roller coaster season for the county's juniors.

Waller said: "Andrew has had a very good year. He's been our main cricketer at under-19s even though he is still only under-17s.

"Robert Wakeford at under-17s and Jeremy Green at under-16s have done well with the bat. Also, Richard Young has been performing well at under-16s even though he's an under-14s. He even scored a 60 for the older age group which is a good effort."

Waller feels it has been a "frustrating but encouraging" season for the under-16s upwards. He said: "The under-16s were second in their league after winning it last season which wasn't too bad.

"The under-17s would have gone through to the knockout stages of their competition but were hit by the weather.

"The under-19s never had a full side because so many players were involved with the Second X1 but played some reasonable cricket.

"The main thing is for the youngsters to progress and the likes of Krishana Singh have done that with the Seconds."