THE stories are heart-warming and significant for East Lancashire.

Among the England under 21 squad for yesterday’s friendly in Italy were Blackburn Rovers’ Frank Fielding and Burnley’s Jay Rodriguez. Phil Jones would have been there too, had it not been for injury.

For Burnley, Rodriguez – born in the town to a Spanish father – is the first from the club’s youth system to reach the under 21s since Richard Chaplow in 2004.

It is a call-up that means much to Clarets supporters and those who have followed his progress.

I remember interviewing Jay when he was just 15, completely unknown but just signed up by Burnley.

He was undoubtedly shy – he still is to some degree – but seemed proud to be joining the club he supported. That pride has since been carried on to the field and converted into goals.

Similarly at Rovers, the progress of locals Jones and Fielding has warmed the hearts of many.

The trio may now have a combined value of £20m.

Rovers’ new owners are keen to increase the productivity of the club’s youth system, but with more players coming through it seems already to be at the peak of its powers.

This is an era in which big clubs around the country are criticised for not producing enough English talent. Blackburn Rovers and Burnley deserve to be exempt from such chastisement.