WORCESTER school pupil Noah DuPont has been called-up to represent his country at an upcoming FIFA World Cup warm-up tournament in September.

DuPont, a 15-year-old from King’s Worcester, will be joining the 18-strong squad New Zealand U17 squad to compete on the international stage against teams from Japan, Venezuela and Niigata.

DuPont, a centre-back for West Bromwich Albion, also celebrated being called up to his club's U18 team over the summer and made his starting debut last weekend.

"It didn’t really sink in when I got the news," added DuPont. "But now I’m really excited and looking forward to joining the New Zealand Camp and playing football in a different country with a different team at a much higher level.

"To be selected as one of the 18 players is an amazing feeling and very surreal. It’s going to be an incredible experience and I’m going to put in my very best effort."

The sign-up for New Zealand came about as DuPont recently acquired dual nationality for New Zealand as his mum was born there.

Word spread about his talents and the New Zealand coaches were keen to see more of the youngster in action.

The warm-up tournament is a preparation event for the FIFA U-17 World Cup which takes place later this year.

King’s Worcester’s Foundation Director of Sport, Jonny Mason said: "Noah is an outstanding all-round talented sportsman.

"He is so very dedicated to his sport, and it’s been a privilege to watch him develop and get to where he is today.

"It’s an incredible achievement to be playing for an U18 Premier League Team and even more so to be selected to play internationally. We wish him all the best and look forward to cheering him on from afar."