IT WAS a day to remember in Leyburn.

At the Wensleydale School any news on the internet was in great demand as the word got around that one of their own, Michael Dawson, had been included in an England football squad training session on Tuesday.

"It's brilliant," said Yvonne Dawson about her youngest son's very special birthday present, for Michael was 19 on Monday.

At their home in Leyburn, she and her husband have seven large folders of cuttings illustrating the development of their sons' careers.

All three grew up surrounded by football thanks to their father, Stuart. A leg injury cut short his time with Manchester United youth team and so the boys kicked a ball around Leyburn Football Club where, for several years, their father played centre half, a position Michael has made his own.

First Andrew and then Kevin played for Northallerton Town Juniors.

It was Tony Cooper with Bedale Junior Football club who organised the match which led to Andrew being spotted by Nottingham Forest scout, Brian Emery.

Michael played at Northallerton, and also for a season at Richmond.

By December 1997, all three brothers had signed as junior professionals for Nottingham Forest: Andrew in November, 1992; Kevin in September, 1995 and then Michael when he was 14 years old.

From then on, Michael spent most of his weekends and school holidays in Nottingham. "He lived for going down to Nottingham," said his mother.

Last year, with the Notts Forest under-19 team, he scored 12 goals even though he was a defender. He signed as a professional with Notts Forest in July and began playing in the first team alongside former England defender, Des Walker.

Another team which has been supporting him all the way is his own family. Both his brothers are playing first team football, Andrew with Scunthorpe and Kevin at Chesterfield.

"We are proud of them all," said Mrs Dawson. "They are like mates, there's no jealousy. Andrew and Kevin support him and back him up. They all know the highs and lows."

Even though Michael has played for the England under-21 team in October and now trained with the first team, his parents don't expect him to change too much.

"He is level-headed. They all come from a good area and they love coming home to see their friends."