Motherwell midfielder Allan Campbell can’t wait to tackle England’s Premier League stars after receiving his first call-up for Scotland’s under-21s.

In fairness, the combative Campbell just loves to tackle anything, and his international call is just reward for his fine form in the Fir Park engine room so far this season.

The 19-year-old is undaunted by the task of facing the star-studded Three Lions, and much like he has announced himself on the Scottish Premiership stage, he will approach the task with his usual relish.

And with teammate Chris Cadden also in the squad, the good news just keeps on coming for the Steelmen this season.

“I was over the moon to get the call,” said Campbell.

“My first priority was Motherwell but I knew that if I do well here then things like that might come along so I was chuffed.

“I’ve never been in a Scotland squad before. I watched them when I was a kid and always watch on TV and go to games. That’s why I am delighted to get called up. It proves what I’m doing here is good.

“What a game to get called up for, England, it’s amazing. It’s a great achievement.

“I’ve not looked at the England squad to see who’s in it, but it’s good to see where you are in comparison to them, some of them are in the EPL, so it’s a good test and good challenge.

“It’s good that first time I’m in Scotland squad that Chris is there, one of my pals. He hasn’t told me too much but I’ll meet him on Sunday and see what it’s like.”

Campbell was one of several stand-out performers in claret and amber at the weekend as Motherwell swept aside a dispirited Partick Thistle side with apparent ease.

With the likes of Campbell and Carl McHugh, who dominated the midfield against the sorry Jags, no one it seems will get an easy ride when they visit Fir Park this season.

“I thought we were good,” said Campbell. “We started well, came off the gas towards the end of the first half and the gaffer said we needed to pick it up. Second half we came out and we dominated. It was good to get the win.

“When teams are coming here we need to make it our territory. No-one is coming here to get an easy game. The gaffer is trying to implement that style and it’s working.

“It’s nice to have a good bit of competitiveness in the squad. I know if I slip up Biggy (Gael Bigirimana) is going to be there to take my place so I need to play 100 percent every game and give my all.

“Nobody can slack. The gaffer always says if someone slacks off there’s someone on the bench waiting to come in.

“The depth of the squad this year is really showing.”

If assessing Campbell’s recent performances since his breakthrough into the Motherwell starting eleven without knowing about his tender years, he would appear every inch the seasoned campaigner.

But the player himself feels that he still has a lot more to give.

“Every game you get more and more confident,” he said. “The boys are brilliant.

“You’ve got Carl the captain alongside you talking you through the game and experienced boys like Moulty (Louis Moult), Bowy (Ryan Bowman) and big Pete (Hartley) behind you.

“The manager said there would always be competition for places. I knew if I came back flying hopefully I would get a chance. Luckily, I got that chance and I’m just trying to stay in the team now.”