AN early Christmas present has arrived for four Widnes Vikings junior players who have earned international recognition.

Under 16s academy players, Olli Ashall, Liam Walsh along with Danny Walker and Ryan Ince of the under 19s academy all received a letter from the RFL informing them of their selection into the England youth and academy programme.

James Rule, Widnes Vikings CEO, commented: "On behalf of the directors, coaches, staff, players and fans of Widnes Vikings I would like to congratulate the boys on their selection for the England Youth Programme.

“We are very proud of them and wish them the best of luck. It is recognition for their hard work and ability.

“It is also recognition for the coaching and performance environment that Phil Finney, Shane Eccles and their colleagues have created."

The boys will begin their training and preparation early in the New Year with the hopes of representing their country later next year, an accolade Head of Youth Performance Phil Finney believes is within the grasp of all four players.

“All four players’ thoroughly deserve this recognition following the amount of hard work they all apply to their personal development.

“And that mirrors the work that is carried out by the community coaches who work extremely hard to engage and develop young players’ potential.

“Widnes Vikings are very pleased and proud of the boys’ achievements so far and believe they are genuine role models for other youngsters at Widnes Vikings and the wider community that hard work can pay off,” Finney said.