EARNING an England ‘C’ call-up caught Kidderminster Harriers winger Marvin Johnson by surprise.

The 21-year-old is one of three players from the Aggborough club, along with striker Anthony Malbon and midfielder James Vincent, included in Paul Fairclough’s squad to take on Russia next month.

For Johnson and Malbon, the selection has come just four months after they joined the Blue Square Bet Premier outfit from Romulus and Newcastle Town respectively.

Johnson, who has only started 11 games for Kidderminster, one day hoped to represent his country but was taken aback at how quickly the opportunity arose.

He said: “I was shocked to get a letter asking about my availability at first and to get the call-up to the squad was even better.

“I didn’t expect it after being at the club for such a short time. It was a long-term aim for me that has come sooner than I thought.

“If I looked back to the start of this season, I never thought I would be in this position now.”

Johnson added: “I feel settled now with the standard and think, in every game I play, I keep getting better and more consistent.

“This will kick me on and, if I can get a cap, it would mean a lot to me.

“It would make me more confident.”