England U21s call up New York City FC midfielder Jack Harrison following injury withdrawals of Sheyi Ojo and Ruben Loftus-Cheek

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New York City midfielder Jack Harrison has been called up by England Under-21s for the first time for the Euro 2019 qualifiers against Scotland and Andorra.

Harrison has been drafted in following the withdrawals through injury of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Sheyi Ojo.

Harrison, 20, began his career as a youth player at Manchester United but moved to the United States aged 14 and made his debut for New York City in May last year.

New York City midfielder Jack Harrison has been called up by England Under-21s

Harrison began his career as a youth player at Manchester United but moved to the US aged 14

He is in the U21s for the first time for the Euro 2019 qualifiers against Scotland and Andorra

He scored his first professional goal on his first start against Real Salt Lake in June 2016 and was nominated for the Major League Soccer Rookie of the Year award.

The Young Lions are joint top of Group 4 with Ukraine after a 1-1 draw in Holland and a 3-0 win over Latvia in their opening games.

They face Scotland in Middlesbrough on Friday before travelling to Andorra for a game on October 10.

Speaking about his call-up on the club website, Harrison said: 'I was thrilled when I found out. It's an exciting opportunity and one I'm very grateful for. I never thought this would happen when I moved out here. It's a special moment and I'm going to cherish it.

'Every year this league is growing and you only have to watch the games to see that it's getting better and better. I'm so excited to be travelling over and doing the best I can. It's an honour to represent my country.'

Harrison has been drafted in following the withdrawal through injury of Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Sheyi Ojo's dislocated shoulder also opened a place for ex-Manchester United trainee Harrison

Patrick Vieira, New York City's head coach, believes Harrison's call-up will help attract more players to the MLS.

He said: 'It's really good news for Jack, it's really good news for the football club and of course I'm really pleased for him because he's improved a lot and he loves the game.

'I think it just shows how the league can be challenging for players and that it can be the right place for players to come to develop their talents.

'Jack going to play for England Under-21s will send a message to the players that the league is good enough to get to international level.'