MEET the Newcastle United star who has been celebrating a call up to the England squad - she's pictured here with Michael Owen!

Ruth Sutcliffe, who plays for our women's team, was invited to link up with the England under-17 training camp in Bisham Abbey this month.

Ruth was over the moon to receive the official letter, after first hearing about the trip via a phone call from her dad who is working in Australia at present.

And United ace Michael Owen took time out of his rehabilitation from a fractured metatarsal to meet Ruth at the first team training base to wish her all the best after her international trip.

Ruth travelled down to the England base for five days following the recent FA Cup game against Liverpool.

The right midfielder had never been called up to the camp before and said it was an experience she will never forget.

Ruth, 16, said: "I hope to take away a lot of positives from this camp, like what it is to train with the England squad, ways to improve my game, and also improve my fitness and confidence."

Ruth believes it is her pace that attracted the scouts to give her the call up, using this to get past defenders and also run onto forward passes.

Being called down to the capital for training is a massive achievement for the youngster, who has been a significant part of United's team this season, and she is looking to go into it fully fit and with a cool head.

Coach Rob Atkin added: "Ruth has worked exceptionally hard to force her way into the first team squad this season, but she knows that this type of recognition only happens with the support of her team mates and the coaching staff at the club.

"We see this inclusion into the England training camp as the first of many over the coming seasons - it is a massive honour for Ruth's family and also for our club."

Newcastle WFC chairman Dave Allman added: "For Ruth it's the first step on the long road of what could be a successful International football career, with her dedication and commitment and the support of her family there's no reason why she can't go on to reach the ultimate achievement of any footballer and win that full England cap as a Newcastle United player.

"I'm sure Ruth's Mum and Dad are absolutely bursting with pride and will give Ruth all the support she deserves."