Shropshire’s Joe Hart was today celebrating his meteoric rise from Shrewsbury Town’s youth team to the full England set-up inside three years – after admitting he initially thought his selection was a wind-up.The former Meole Brace School pupil, who only turned 21 last month, has been named in Fabio Capello’s squad for games against USA on May 28 and Trinidad & Tobago three days later.

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He is named alongside David James and Chris Kirkland in a goalkeeping trio, and will rub shoulders with the likes of David Beckham and Wayne Rooney.

It means Hart is on the brink of potentially becoming Shropshire’s first full England international for almost half a century.

Ironbridge-born Billy Wright, the former Wolves defender who made 105 starts for his country between 1946 and 1959, is believed to be the last to wear the three lions.

The current Manchester City No 1, who was rested in his side’s 8-1 thumping at Middlesbrough yesterday, was today still coming to terms with the latest step in a career which continues to soar.

“I found out by a text message from the FA last night and I was surprised and excited at the same time,” said Hart.

“I didn’t even know that there was a squad due to be announced and then I thought it was a wind-up because there was a problem with the text message and it wasn’t completed.

“But then a few people started to ring me and I realised it was true. There have been a few rumours about it happening but I didn’t expect it to.

“It’s nuts how quickly everything has happened – but it can always happen to someone and I’m delighted.”

Hart’s former club Shrewsbury will be in line for a bumper pay day of £500,000 if and when he makes his national bow at senior level as part of the £1.5m package which took him to Manchester City in the summer of 2006.

And the inclusion in the squad of the goalkeeper – who only made his Football League debut for Town in April 2005 – was met by delight in the corridors of power at Oteley Road today.

“It’s terrific news and everyone is really pleased for him,” said Head of Youth Nigel Vaughan, who managed Hart for Town’s under 16s and oversaw the goalkeeper through his youth programme at Walford College.

“We always thought Joe was going to be a top-quality goalkeeper but to get into the England set-up so young and in his first full Premiership season is an unbelievable achievement.

“He thoroughly deserves it because he has worked hard, he’s a nice lad and he has kept his feet on the ground.

“He’s so focused and committed. He’s a credit to his family and a credit to Shrewsbury Town.”