Karl Robinson believes Patrick Bamford will grasp his opportunity with England Under-21s with both hands.
The striker, currently on loan from Chelsea, linked up with Gareth Southgate’s side on Sunday evening ahead of their UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier against San Marino tomorrow night.
Bamford has been a key player for the Dons this season with 12 goals in 20 appearances and was named the Sky Bet League 1 Player of the Month for October.
Dons boss Robinson says the call-up is fully-deserved and he will be sat in the stands at Shrewsbury tomorrow evening to watch if the 20-year-old does see some match action.
Speaking to the media today Robinson said: “It’s remarkable, I’m so happy for the boy; I think he deserves all the accolades he is getting.
“His goal when he came he was to get involved with the Under 21s; it is proof that if you do things right, regardless of what level you are playing at you will get your opportunity. Gareth Southgate has seen him as one for the future so he has included him in his plans and he is a year younger than the rest.”
The England Under-21s beat Finland last Thursday at stadiummk to move three points clear at the top of their Group and in that game Saido Berahino received a caution which lead to his suspension for Tuesday night and opened up the pathway for Bamford.
Now Bamford, who has previously represented the U18s and U19s, has a foot in the Young Lions’ camp, Robinson believes he will stay in their plans.
He added: “He can look forward to the challenge that international football brings; it is the pinnacle to most people’s career. I think the two aims of any young footballer is to play in the Premier League and one day be good enough to play for your country, whether it is for the Under-21s or a full international.
“It will be something that he will remember for the rest of his life; we hope he can go out there and perform to the levels that we know he can if he gets the chance. I am sure when he gets his chance he won’t be fazed by it; he’s working with some incredible coaches and he will only benefit from that.”
