Former Shropshire schoolboy James Taylor has spoken of his pride at breaking into the “amazing” England set-up.

The 21-year-old, who attended Shrewsbury School and played Birmingham League cricket for Shrewsbury, has been named in the squad for tomorrow’s one-day international with Ireland in Belfast.

It is the first time that Taylor – who has long been touted for senior recognition – has been named in a full England squad.

And he is delighted it comes at a time when England are ruling the cricketing world – in the Test Match scene at least.

“The way the Test team playing is amazing and it’s exciting to be involved in the England set-up,” said Taylor, who still returns to Shrewsbury School to have the occasional net with his former coach Paul Pridgeon.

“It’s a great honour to represent your country at any level.

“I have done it in the age groups and with England Lions for a few years and if I get picked tomorrow, it will be the next step up to get my first full cap.”

Despite a host of pundits calling for his selection, Taylor insists his call-up came as something of a surprise.

“It’s nice to be recognised for what you have achieved but I felt surprised when I heard,” added Taylor, who was flying over to Ireland with the remainder of an experimental England squad this morning.

I was just concentrating on doing well for Leicestershire and the Lions and didn’t want to look too far ahead for England.”

Taylor also hailed the achievement of his former club Shrewsbury – who he played for in 2006 – in reaching the final of the National Knockout.

“I was really pleased for them,” he added. “It’s fantastic they are in the final and hopefully they can go on and win it.”