CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe believes Baily Cargill’s unexpected call-up to the England under-21 squad was a “reward for his efforts for both club and country”.

Cargill, capped eight times at under-20 level, was drafted in over the weekend and will be hoping to feature in the Three Lions’ European Championship qualifier against Switzerland today.

The 20-year-old had this week been expected to rejoin Cherries in training after lining up in England’s 4-3 defeat to France in an under-20 friendly in Brittany on Wednesday.

But together with fellow defender Ben Chilwell from Leicester, Cargill was promoted to Gareth Southgate’s squad for the crucial qualifier which takes place at Brighton’s Amex Arena (5.45pm)

Cargill, a product of the Cherries youth ranks, was drafted into the England under-20 set-up last season and scored on his debut in a 2-2 draw with Canada at Dean Court.

Howe, who won England under-21 recognition when he played in the Toulon Tournament in 1998, told the Daily Echo: “We were delighted when we received notification of Baily’s call-up. It was his reward for his efforts with both club and country.

“Representing England is something to be hugely proud of and Baily has done that at under-20 level. Joining the under-21 squad will be a great experience for him.

“Baily is a developing player who is getting better all the time and we have high hopes for him. He is level-headed and a good listener and learner. If he keeps working hard and improving, he is going to have a bright future in the game.”

Howe is also hoping Tokelo Rantie can maintain his impressive form after the striker helped South Africa seize the initiative in the first leg of their World Cup play-off qualifier against Angola on Friday.

Rantie, who became the 13th South African to feature in the Premier League when he came off the bench for Cherries against Newcastle, scored and won a penalty in Bafana’s 3-1 win. The second leg is in Durban on Tuesday with the victors progressing to the final group stage..

Howe said: “TK’s goal and all-round display for South Africa capped a memorable few days for him.

“He was a constant threat to the Angolan defenders and they found his pace difficult to deal with. He took his goal superbly and had a big hand in the third when he was fouled for the penalty.

“TK looked sharp when he came off the bench against Newcastle in our last game and I know how much it meant to him to play in the Premier League.

“Players always need to be ready when they are given an opportunity. He is a very positive character and will have taken great confidence from his recent displays.

“Hopefully, he can help South Africa put on another good show in the second leg of their qualifier and they can progress to the next stage.”