Academy striker Charlie Collins has been selected as part of the Republic of Ireland Under 18 squad for their tour to France later this month.

The 16-year-old first-year scholar, who scored a hat-trick in Saturday's 4-4 draw with Watford, will be part of Sean McCaffrey's travelling party for a three-game tournament in Limoges, France.

The Irish will fly to Limoges on October 26 for games against France, Denmark and Serbia before returning to the UK on November 2.

Hammersmith-born Charlie has started the season extremely well with the Dons, producing a string of impressive performances for the Under 18s both in attack and as supporting midfield player.

His treble at London Colney on Saturday took his total to four goals in six appearances this term - an excellent early return for a player still adapting to Academy football.

After an unsuccessful trial with Tottenham Hotspur, Charlie joined the Dons in January this year and was immediately earmarked for a scholarship after scoring a debut hat-trick for the Under 16s against Southampton.

Academy Director Mike Dove said: "Charlie was playing for London Schools before trialling with Spurs so he's gone from playing local football, to an apprenticeship, to the Under 18 international scene in the space of 10 months.

"It didn't happen for him at Tottenham, but as one door shut for him we opened another one and credit to him for taking the opportunity.

"I'm absolutely chuffed to bits for him, he's had a great week with his hat-trick at the weekend and now an international call-up.

"He's a good technician, very composed, has great awareness and his speed of thought is outstanding. He's got lots to learn about the tools he possesses but he's a player with great potential."

Due to a break in the Under 18 calendar, Charlie will only miss one Premier League Academy game while away with Eire - ironically the trip to Spurs on November 1.