LEE Holmes says his successful stint at Swindon will stand him in good stead when he steps into the international spotlight tomorrow.

The left-winger is expected to start for England under 19s in their friendly clash with Belgium at the Regenboogstadion.

The match practice gleaned from his loan spell from Derby means Holmes goes into the perfect shop window in peak condition.

Pride Park teammate Tom Huddlestone was due to join him in the squad but has since been promoted to the under 21 ranks.

Regular exposure to first-team football can only boost Holmes' chances of following a similar path.

"Every game for England is an opportunity to prove something whatever the level," said Holmes, who was due to touch down in Belgium this afternoon.

"Just look at some of the players that have risen through the ranks Jermaine Defoe, Stewart Downing and even Michael Owen.

"Tom's got the call up to the under 21s and from there the progression is the full international squad.

"Obviously that's something I'd love.

"First-team football can only help and I've been pleased with the way things have gone. I love it at Swindon.

"I've got a lot more match sharpness because I've been playing games and that can only help."

Holmes is half-way through a three-month stay in Wiltshire.

Despite several eye-catching displays, Town boss Andy King opted to leave the talented teenager out of the squad for the victory at Oldham at the weekend.

Rather than throw his toys out of the pram, Holmes praised King for nurturing him in the right manner.

He said: "The manager chose to rest me on Saturday.

"He told me that he thought it would be better for me to sit it out because of the shape he wanted to use for the game which turned out to be a good decision.

"He also thought that three games in a week was a lot for me at this stage of my career.

"As a footballer you want to play every game but it's hard to keep up the pace."

Although not quite 18, Holmes is no stranger to the under 19 set-up.

The friendly with the Belgians should yield his eighth cap and he has scored in each of his last two appearances against the Czech Republic and France.

The likes of Southampton's Dexter Blackstock and Norwich's Ryan Jarvis have already made an impact in the Premiership this season so Holmes is in good company.

"I couldn't pick out any of them in particular, they are all very good players in this squad," Holmes added.

"I've been involved with England since I was 15 and the squads are always quite similar so we know each other well.

"I'm hoping to start the game but as it's a friendly you never know."

England under 19 squad: Matthew Bates, Andrew Taylor, Anthony McMahon (all Middlesbrough), Dean Bowditch (Ipswich), Dexter Blacstock (Southampton on loan at Plymouth), Martin Cranie, Matthew Mills (both Southampton), Tom Heaton Richard Jones (both Man Utd), Lee Holmes (Derby on loan at Swindon), Tom Huddlestone (Derby), Ryan Jarvis (Norwich), Grant Leadbitter (Sunderland), Ryan Smith (Arsenal), Laurence Wilson (Everton).