Gray thrilled to win another England C call

The 21-year-old will win his second cap when the Three Lions travel to take on the Belgium U23s on Wednesday, September 12.

Gray said: “I’m delighted. I’ve always said I loved the experience, so I’m looking forward to playing again.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a good test and it all goes towards the experience for me, so it will help me a lot.”

Gray’s last appearance came back in June when Paul Fairclough’s side suffered a 4-0 reverse to Russia U23s, but with a number of the squad the same, the Town forward will be stronger for the experience.

He said: “There’s five or six players there from last time, so we know a lot about each other now and it will be a lot easier.”

Adam Watkins and Greg Taylor are on standby for the squad too as Gray continued: “I think there’s a few other players (at Luton) I’d have said deserve a chance to be involved, someone like JJ (O’Donnell).”

The news capped a good week for Gray, as he regained his place in the Luton side and played a starring role during the 3-1 victory at Ebbsfleet on Monday.

He said: “I knew this year would be hard to get in the team with the quality we’ve got, but I’ve always worked hard.

“It was a good result and I thought we played one of the best games we’ve had so far. We need to start taking that into our home form now.”

Town boss Paul Buckle picked all four of his frontline strikers, with Gray and Stuart Fleetwood either side of Jon Shaw, while Scott Rendell played in the hole behind.

Gray was a real handful all afternoon with his pace down the right channel, having a hand in two of the goals, and feels there’s a real team ethic around the squad.

He added: “What the gaffer has got in this year is a togetherness and it’s more of a team game.

“Last year we could have possibly been a bit more individuals. Everyone wants to score, but as long as we get the win and get where we want to be which is promotion, that’s the main thing.”

The only thing missing for Gray now is his first goal of the campaign, and he hopes to be off the mark against Macclesfield Town on Saturday.

He added: “I need to get that first goal out of the way to get up and running. I’ve just got to keep patient and keep working hard, but it’s not really a worry for me.

“As long as I’m creating and knowing that I’m being part of the team and doing well for the team, I’m not worried about myself.”

England C squad: Preston Edwards (Ebbsfleet), Ian Ormson (Stockport County), Sam Hatton, Aswad Thomas (Grimsby), Jamie Turley, Eddie Oshodi, Kieron Forbes (Forest Green), Simon Ainge, Joshua Wilson, Stephen Brogan (Guiseley), Lindon Meikle (Mansfield), Josh Gilles (Gateshead), James Vincent (Kidderminster Harriers), Kenny Davis (Braintree Town), Scott Spencer (Hyde), Andre Gray (Luton Town).