PATRICK Rooney has been selected to represent Team England at the Commonwealth Youth Games.

The teenager will join 1,000 other 14-18 year olds competing at the Games in Samoa between 5-11 September.

The action takes places in the nation’s capital, Apia, across two sporting complexes that will play host to Swimming, Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Lawn Bowls, Rugby Sevens, Tennis, Weightlifting and Squash.

The event will give Rooney the chance to get a taste for an international multi-sport event with the aim of following in the footsteps of English squash legends and Commonwealth Games gold and silver medallists Nick Matthew and Laura Massaro.

Rooney, aged 17, said: "It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, made even more special because it is in a place like Samoa where not many people get to visit.

"This will really help me to prepare for senior England events because it is a high standard of competition and I will have to go about the event with a professional attitude.”