Tom Flanagan made his international bow on Tuesday night in Northern Ireland under-21’s International Challenge match against England.

Flanagan (pictured), on loan at the Gills from League 1 MK Dons, started the game at Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road.

England, with the likes of Manchester United young striker Nick Powell in the side and Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson, won 2-0.

Goals came from Connor Wickham and Benik Afobe.

Twenty-year-old defender Flanagan has made 15 appearances for the Gills since joining them in the summer. And his displays for the table topping side prompted a call-up.

He was replaced at half-time as the Northern Ireland manager made wholesale changes at the break.

Flanagan is English-born but can play for Northern Ireland due to his family roots. He is set to return to the Gills on Thursday in preparation for Saturday's home match with Morecambe.