YORK youngster Danny Allan has proven his rugby league pedigree by winning selection to the England Under-16s Combined Youth squad.

The 15-year-old had been picked for the Under-15s national squad last season and has now followed that up with a similar achievement this term.

He made the grade through a regional camp, a Yorkshire camp and lastly a national camp and is now set to represent England in U16s internationals against France later this season.

Proud dad Mark Allan said: "Even though he was picked last year, there was no passport through to the squad this year. They had to start from scratch again in the selection process."

Utility back Allan, who started his rugby league life with Heworth ARLC, left neighbouring amateur club New Earswick All Blacks at the start of this season to play in a higher tier of the Yorkshire Youth League with Castleford-based Smawthorn as part of his status as an elite young player.

He is also on a Scholarship scheme with former Super League club Castleford Tigers.

Updated: 09:15 Thursday, November 25, 2004