By Terry Cordwell

WHEN Gary Neville limped off during a Manchester United Champions League qualifier at the end of August, Charlton's Luke Young probably would not have thought too much of it.

The ultra-consistent Addicks right-back had recently become the first orthodox full-back in 15 years to be named the club's player of the year and, as a veteran of England's under-21 side, senior honours were not something Young would have been viewing as beyond him.

But with Chelsea's Glen Johnson ahead of him in the pecking order, not to mention Phil Neville, Liverpool's Jamie Carragher and even Manchester City's Danny Mills after he starred at the 2002 World Cup, Young could never have believed Neville's setback would be the launch pad for his own international career.

But it's exactly how it turned out and with Neville still sidelined almost three months later Young's latest appearance in Saturday's friendly against Argentina in Geneva was the 26-year-old's fifth consecutive start for his country, a run which has included four World Cup qualification matches.

He said: "I'm really enjoying my football at the moment. Eriksson picked me ahead of a few other very good players has given me a lot of confidence.

"Obviously I play right-back for Charlton week-in, week-out, and I think it might have swung it in my favour.

"Gary Neville is a great player and he is England's number two but if I'm in the squad I want to do the best I can and put some pressure on him."

Young added: "It's been great for me to get my chance with England and I was delighted to be involved and to help the team qualify for the World Cup."

Though England eventually qualified for Germany 2006 as group winners, Young actually broke into the England side during quite a turbulent time for Eriksson's men.

After two substitute appearances in America at the end of last season, he made his full debut in a qualifier against Wales, only a couple of weeks after the country had watched in horror as England were thrashed 4-1 in a friendly against Denmark.

The rocky form continued as England scraped past the Welsh and suffered a shock defeat in Northern Ireland before the ship was steadied with crucial wins against Austria and Poland.

As the only newcomer to the set-up at that time Young could easily have been made a scapegoat but Eriksson kept faith with the defender, Charlton's captain this season, and saw him grow in confidence.

Young said: "I think my performances have got better with each game. There was a bit of pressure on us but we have such quality in the squad and we came through.

"Everyone is looking forward to the finals now and hopefully I can be involved again."

Young, who has recently been accompanied by Charlton teammate Darren Bent - last week back with the under-21s in the senior squad, added: "The more players we get in the England squad the better for the club.

"It's definitely worth the England manager coming to see Charlton play at the moment. We've got a lot of English players such as myself, Benty, Jerome Thomas and Danny Murphy, who's been brilliant this year for us."