AFTER years of being overlooked Widnes Vikings skipper Kevin Brown returns to the England squad ahead of the autumn’s Four Nations tournament.

The 32-year-old Vikings schemer is among the 24 players included in Wayne Bennett’s first England squad for the games against Australia, New Zealand and Scotland.

The selection was long overdue for a player who made his England debut on the 2010 Four Nations tour Down Under, but has been overlooked since.

But Brown’s form this season, in which he has steered the club to a seventh-placed finish – its best in Super League – could no longer be ignored.

Brown said: “Being selected is up there with the proudest moments of my career and it’s a dream to be around such talented players and coaches.

“I am going enjoy the next six weeks, it’s all I dreamed of as a kid, and nothing has really changed to be honest, so I can’t wait to get started.

“I have to say thanks to all the Widnes boys.

“My selection is a reflection of how hard everyone has worked over the last few years. Representing Widnes in the England squad is something that I will be immensely proud to do.”

There will be a familiar face in the England set up too – with Vikings’ boss Denis Betts assisting Bennett.

Widnes Vikings CEO James Rule said: “On behalf of my fellow directors I would like to congratulate our captain Kevin Brown on his selection for this Autumn’s Four Nations.

“Kevin has worked tirelessly as our leader both on and off the field and richly deserves this selection. Earlier this year it was a proud moment for the club to see Danny Walker, Liam Walsh, Brad Walker and Owen Farnworth represent England at Academy level on the tour to Australia.

“This is tangible evidence of how far our club has come.”

Widnesian Mark Percival, who plays at St Helens, is also in the 24-man squad.