Ex-Gills youngster makes England squad

Former Gillingham youngster Matt Jarvis has been selected for England for the first time.

The 24-year-old, now of Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Barclays Premier League, has been given the chance after impressing with his performances this season.

The winger, who made over 100 appearances for the Gills, has been in a couple of England boss Fabio Capello’s provisional squads but has now found himself in the full squad for the first time.

Jarvis’ former youth team coach at Gillingham, Kevin Bremner, has told of his pride at the player’s call up.

Bremner, who gave Jarvis his reserve team debut at Gillingham at the age of just 16 told BBC Radio Kent: “I’m delighted for him.  He had a good shot with either foot and a great attitude.”

The former coach added: “ I used to take him into training before he could drive.  Some of the kids used to laugh at me when I used to take him running along the seafront at Gillingham.”

“I’m particularly pleased for his parents.  Without the parent backing him, bringing him up in the right manner, he wouldn’t have grown up to be the person he is.”

Should Jarvis get the chance to make his debut, he could face either Wales at the Millennium Stadium or Saturday, or Ghana in a friendly on 29 March.

To see Matt Jarvis hit Wolves' winner away to Aston Villa on Saturday, click here.