JONATHAN Woodgate confirmed Lloyd Kelly will still head away on international duty next week, despite missing tomorrow's FA Cup quarter-final through injury.

This weekend's showdown with Southampton will come too soon for the defender, who is struggling with an adductor strain.

But Kelly will be part of the England squad for the group stage of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, which begins on Wednesday.

However, the former Bristol City man will not face Saints, along with six more unavailable players, including David Brooks.

Asked for an update on his squad's fitness, boss Woodgate said: "Junior has got a slight hamstring strain. So he should be back fit after the international break.

"Adam Smith should be fit after the international break. Brooksy, fit after the international break.

"Lloyd Kelly is there or thereabouts, he’ll be going away with England. He needs a few more days but then should travel with them.

"Shane Long is cup-tied and Jefferson Lerma is suspended."

Lewis Cook is ruled out until the end of the season with a knee injury.

Those absentees mean a host of youngsters look set to be part of the squad, including academy products Jordan Zemura and Jaidon Anthony, who have been unused substitutes in recent weeks.

"They deserve their chance," said Woodgate.

"I’m not one to complain about squad size. We get on with it.

"Every team gets injuries. We’ve just got to make the most of it.

"It’s an opportunity for players to come in and do a job."

He added: "What I did against Burnley (in the last round), I put a really strong side out.

"So I’ll be doing that again. I want to try and win the game. Football is all about winning matches, so I’ll be going there with a full-strength side."