Sam got Ed start to shine

Sam Johnstone has revealed how Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar inspired him to become a Premier League star as he homes in on a potential England debut.

The West Brom keeper joined United as a 10-yearold and played with Jesse Lingard, Ravel Morrison, Will and Michael Keane and Paul Pogba.

Johnstone impressed goalkeeper coach Eric Steele and was fast-tracked into the first-team squad before he left United for Albion in July 2018.

He said: “I was at United from such a young age and I’d be buzzing to see the f irst- team players and train with them.

“Edwin van der Sar was the one I really looked up to, trained with and watched at home games.

“He was an inspiration for me to go and make it in

VAN VA DER SAR

hero the Premier League myself onone day.”

DDespite West Brom’s relrelegation this season, ththe £ 20mil l ion- rated JohJohnstone is being linked wiwith the likes of West Ham and Leeds and has been named in Gareth Southgate’s initial 33-man Euro 2020 squad.

He dreams of clinching a place in the final 26-strong group that will be named on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old, who was capped 31 times by England at Under-16, 17, 19 and 20 level when at United, said: “I’m just looking forward to going away with England, working hard and being proud of the moment.

“I just have to be fit, fresh and ready for the England friendlies and then see what happens after that.

“It ’ s down to the manager whether I play but it would be an incredibly proud moment if I did.

“To make the Euros squad would be just unbelievable for me.”