Duo get England U21 call

Wolves winger Michael Kightly received his first call-up for England under-21s today – as Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor was handed an international reprieve.

Manager Stuart Pearce rewarded Kightly for his meteoric rise since arriving at Molineux with his first-ever call for international duty.

And he has granted Agbonlahor a fresh chance to carve out an England career after he missed this summer''s European Championship in Holland because the Football Association could not contact him.

The duo have been included in a 21-strong squad for the friendly against Romania at Ashton Gate, Bristol, next Tuesday.

Birmingham midfielder Fabrice Muamba and Villa's Craig Gardner are included.

Kightly said: "I am absolutely delighted to called up to this England squad – it really is a dream come true for me.

"This time last year I was aiming to get in the England National Game squad and I did, but there is absolutely no comparison.

"It is unbelievable to be in this squad – there are a lot of established Premiership players in there.

"But I will go there and enjoy myself and try to stake my claim and show Stuart Pearce what I can do.

"It is nice to be in there with some great players, but I want to play and be part of it now."

Villa boss Martin O'Neill initially took the blame for a breakdown in communications which led to 20-year-old Agbonlahor going AWOL in the summer.

And Pearce – who led England's youngsters to the semi-finals and has been appointed full time boss – travelled to see the striker to discuss his future.

Agbonlahor could have still applied to play for Scotland or Nigeria but he appears to have underlined his commitment to England.

Squad: Ben Alnwick (Tottenham), Joe Hart (Man City), Martin Cranie (Portsmouth) Craig Gardner (Villa), Michael Mancienne (QPR), Nedum Onuoha (Man City), Andrew Taylor (Middlesbrough), Steven Taylor (Newcastle), David Wheater (Middlesbrough), Tom Huddlestone (Spurs), Adam Johnson (Middlesbrough), Michael Johnson (Man City), Michael Kightly (Wolves), James Milner (Newcastle), Fabrice Muamba (Birmingham), Mark Noble (West Ham), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Villa), Dexter Blackstock (QPR), Matt Derbyshire (Blackburn), Luke Moore (Villa), Walcott (Arsenal).