LUKE YOUNG’S breakthrough into the England squad to tour the United States will spur his Charlton team-mates to follow suit, manager Alan Curbishley has insisted.

"What has happened to Luke is proof again that the England set-up keeps a close eye on what’s happening at Charlton," said Curbishley.

"I’ve said on many occasions that someone like Danny Murphy should not give up hope of a recall to the England squad.

"I hope he will look at what’s happened to Luke and see that for himself. I’m delighted for Luke because it’s a fantastic reward for his great season."

Young’s call-up lifted the gloom on the club’s depressing end-of-season decline as the 25-year-old right-back celebrated three happy events.

First he won the Supporters’ Player of the Year accolade and then became a father for the first time.

He said: When I was called into the squad I just felt fantastic. I did plenty of interviews after winning the Player of the Year award and a lot of people mentioned the possibility of playing for England."

A former England Under-21 international, Young got his chance when Manchester United’s Gary Neville withdrew through injury.

He is the first Charlton player to be selected for the senior England squad since former Addicks midfielder Scott Parker made his debut against Denmark in November, 2002.

Young added: "I would love to be a part of the squad to play in the World Cup qualifiers but I need to take one step at a time. It’s great that England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson keeps an eye on Charlton which gives all the players hope."