United Under-18s coach Richard Naylor says the international call-ups for the club’s young players are testament to the club’s Academy set-up.

First year professionals Alex Mowatt and Eric Grimes have been called up for Under-19s duty, with England and the Republic of Ireland respectively, and Lewis Cook is away with England Under-17s at the Algarve Tournament.

Lewis played the full 90 minutes on Wednesday as England opened up with a 2-0 win against Holland, and the club’s Under-18 coach says his young prospect will benefit from the international stage.

“Lewis has been in and around England for a while,” explained Naylor. “He’s a good player.

“He’s worked hard at his game, and this can only improve him as a player, working with different players and coaches. It can only benefit us all.

“Hopefully he can get some more game time, and hopefully he will impress and do well.”

While Lewis is already on England duty, Mowatt joins up with his country next week for a friendly against Turkey at Chester on Wednesday.

“He’s another who will benefit from coming up against different players,” said Naylor, who made Mowatt his Under-18s captain last season.

“Any international recognition is good for the club, the players, and the people who are working with them. The strides he’s made are fantastic. He’s worked very hard. He conscientious and he wants to improve.”