Wigan Athletic are cock-a-hoop about goalkeeper Lee Nicholls' call into the England U19 squad.

It's the icing on the cake for 17 year-old Nicholls after a fantastic season that saw him produce a string of impressive performances for the Reserve Team and earn a professional contract just months after joining the club as a first-year scholar.

Chris Kirkland is well aware of the special talent the club has on its hands.

"Lee's done extremely well, and I've thought he could be special from the first time I saw with him," Kirkland told the Latics website.

"He just needs to carry on working hard, cleaning my boots, and he should do all right!"

There was also praise from another of the club's experienced goalkeepers Mike Pollitt who said: "He's had his first year at the club and done ever so well earning himself a professional contract after putting in some great performances.

"He was playing in the Reserves when he was still at school which tells you how good he is.

"Next year will be a big one for him, he's got a bright future ahead of him and he's someone I rate very highly."