CHRISTIAN Walton became the first ever Bury player to earn a call-up to the England Under-21s squad this week, which manager David Flitcroft says is proof of his standing within the game.

The 19-year-old Brighton stopper has had a difficult start to his season-long loan at Gigg Lane after conceding 13 goals in the last four games.

A 3-3 draw at Crewe on Saturday and 4-1 defeat at home to Leicester in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night will have done little to boost the teenager’s confidence.

But after coming out in support of his young keeper last week, following a mistake in Bury's 4-3 defeat to Fleetwood, Flitcroft admitted he would have to pick up the youngster again following the midweek cup disappointment.

“People within the game understand his qualities, but at the minute he’s just maybe over-trying in what he’s doing,” said the Bury boss, after another shaky display against Leicester.

“We’ve got to make sure he has the support.

“I’ve got to have a look at that, see how Christian is and see where he’s at because he’s not had a great night and he won’t be feeling great about himself.

“That’s my job now and my staff’s job to support him.”

The timing of Walton’s U21s call-up, which follows on from his eight caps for the U20s and four for the U19s, could well take the Truro-born keeper out of the firing line at just the right time.

England host the USA at Preston next Thursday, September 3, before travelling to Norway for a match the following Monday.

He should be available for Saturday’s league match at home to Oldham but it is not yet clear if Walton will be released for Bury’s Johnstone Paint’s Trophy tie at Accrington next Tuesday, and he is sure to miss the trip to Walsall on September 5.

Walton may benefit from the break, but his absence will leave the Shakers short of options.

Rob Lainton is the only other senior stopper on the books, while Jack Ruddy, the youth team’s number one keeper, is being lined up for a move to Aston Villa.

Flitcroft confirmed that the 18-year-old had been allowed to go on trial at the Midlands club, although it is understood the Villains do not want to pay Bury’s £300,000 asking price up front, opening up the possibility of a bidding war.

“He’s been to Aston Villa, he’s had a couple of days training and they have been very impressed with him,” said the Bury boss.

“While he has been down there, other clubs have been alerted to it and they have now enquired.

“When he played in the FA Youth Cup against United (last season) it alerted other clubs to how good this kid could be.

“People are starting to take note, so it’s promising.”