Clarke in Under 19 contention.

Byline: Doug Thomson ,

Town starlet Tom Clarke will be playing before a capacity crowd if he gets the England call tonight.

The 18-year-old centre-back has joined up with the national Under 19 squad for the sold-out clash with Slovakia at Northampton's 7,000-capacity Sixfields Stadium (7.00).

Clarke, who was on the bench for Friday's 2-2 League I draw at Swansea, was initially on stand-by.

But he was today going through final preparations with the likes of Arsenal ace Theo Walcott, who has been included for the first time at this level despite being just 16.

Clarke, who has also played for the Under 18s, will be hoping for a second cap after scoring on his Under 19 debut, a 3-2 win over Belgium at Darlington in September.

Coach Martin Hunter said: "It's an important game for us, as it is our last chance to get everyone together before the European Championship qualifiers start in May."

England have been drawn alongside Belgium, Serbia & Montenegro and Northern Ireland, with games taking place in Belgium from May 18-22. The championships proper are in Poland in July.

Last year the Under 19s were beaten by France in the final.

"I am hoping that the fans will see an attacking game of football," added Hunter.

"With a great deal of technical ability on display, it is sure to be an exciting match."

Clarke's 19-year-old Town teammate James Hand is in the Republic of Ireland Under 21 squad for tonight's clash with Sweden at Drogheda.

The left winger is hoping for a fourth Under 21 cap.

"It's a great accolade for the club to have both lads involved," said manager Peter Jackson.

"This kind of experience can only do them good."