WORCESTER-born footballer Mark Little has several special reasons to remember his 18th birthday.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers defender made his debut for the first team, starting a Carling Cup tie with Chesterfield.

Though the Championship outfit went out on penalties, Little gave a good account of himself and the team kept a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw before the spot-kicks arrived.

Now Little, who turned 18 last month, is celebrating another call-up for England Under 19s who play Holland at Walsall tonight.

The talented former Nunnery Wood High School pupil has had to prove himself to a new manager at Wolves after Mick McCarthy replaced Glenn Hoddle in the hot-seat.

But Little seems to be winning the battle, being named on the substitutes bench for the last two league games with Burnley and Luton.

He admitted he is finding life as a professional harder than when he was in the youth team ranks but paid tribute to club coach Terry Connor.

Little, who grew up in Tolladine, said: "When I first moved up, I thought Terry was a tough coach but, a year on, I know what he's all about now.

"He really knows his football and is being a great help to me and the other young lads.

"After training I spend time with Terry on a one-to-one basis working on particular aspects of my game. He's really helping me to improve."

Tonight's game will also involve Birmingham City's on-loan midfielder Fabrice Muamba, West Brom goalkeeper Luke Daniels and Walsall player Ishmel Demontagnac.