STEVEN FINN has been tipped to make his first-class debut for Middlesex this season after he was named in the England Under-19 squad.

The 17-year-old Parmiter's School pupil was named in the 15-man squad for the three one-day internationals against India at the end of July.

And Middlesex second XI coach, Jason Pooley, believes the call up is the latest step on a ladder that could culminate in the towering fast bowler being given his head in the club's struggling first XI later this summer.

"We rate him very highly and as long as he stays injury free we think he can go on and play at the highest level," said Pooley.

"(Middlesex Director of cricket) John Emburey doesn't see as much of Steven as I do, but he's seen him in the nets and everyone at the club is well aware of him.

"Hopefully he'll get an opportunity to play in the first team this season. If he's performing for the second XI, then we certainly wouldn't be frightened about playing him."

Finn, who was a regular for Middlesex second XI last season, is certainly not daunted about the prospect of representing his country two years above his age group.

Indeed, it is a mark of how highly Finn is rated at national youth level that he still made the squad, despite missing the first Under-19 training camp because of exams and returning home early from the trial match against Essex because of an ankle injury.

Finn, though, clearly impressed coach, Andy Moyles, and manager, John Abrahams, during a nine-over spell, that saw him have Will Jefferson, the free-scoring Essex batsman, dropped at slip.

"I'm delighted," said Finn. "It didn't really come as surprise as I always back myself and back my ability, but it's still really pleasing.

"I'm disappointed not to be in the Test squad but the one dayers come first and hopefully I can prove myself and force my way into the squad."

England kick-off the series at the County Ground in Derby, on Tuesday, July 18, and that is followed by back-to-back games at Sophia Gardens, on Thursday, July 22, and Friday, July 21 - both of which will be televised on Sky Sports.