Danny Ings has admitted to being taken by surprise upon hearing of his call-up to the England senior squad, and revealed how he has had to cancel a planned trip home to join the group.
The Liverpool striker –who joined the Reds from Burnley in June – was a regular for England Under-21s and made 13 appearances during his time with Gareth Southgate's side.
England v Estonia
UEFA Euro 2016 Qualifier
7.45pm, Friday 9 October 2015
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
Buy tickets here
After two goals in three games for Brendan Rodgers' outfit, Ings was handed a promotion to the senior squad for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania.
Good news, he claims, he was not expecting.
"To be honest I was shocked,” said Ings.
“I didn't expect it at all. I already had flights booked to see family back home in Southampton in the international break so they got cancelled swiftly.
"I got a text in the morning just before I met up with the lads [for Liverpool's Europa League tie with Sion].
Danny Ings celebrates after scoring against Norwich
"It means the world to me. It was my dream as a kid to get the call and now I've got the call it is unbelievable.
"It is a huge boost for me as a player and for my career so I'll take great confidence from that moving forward.
"It means so much to me and my family and hopefully it is something I can build on.”
Despite a stuttering start to the season for Liverpool, Ings has impressed during the brief time he has had on the pitch.
“It is about developing every day and I feel I am improving every day here”
Danny Ings
After opening his account in the Premier League game against Norwich, he followed that up by scoring the Reds’ opener in the League Cup game against Carlisle.
And Ings added how pleased he is that his efforts have not gone unnoticed by Roy Hodgson.
"It is great that people are recognising your hard work and what you try to do for the team and the fans but it is something I honestly didn't expect,” he continued.
"For me it is about developing every day and I feel I am improving every day here.
"It is a great club and a great foundation and hopefully we can have success together."
Visit TheFA.com/tickets to buy tickets for the meeting with Estonia at Wembley Stadium
