DANNY Ings admits it would be a dream to follow in former team-mate Jay Rodriguez’s footsteps and play for England – hopefully together.

Burnley’s 24-goal top scorer yesterday received another call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England Under 21 set-up for next Wednesday’s European Championship qualifier with Wales, while Burnley-born former Claret Rodriguez retained his place in Roy Hodgson’s senior Three Lions squad for the friendly with Denmark at Wembley on the same night.

The pair were team-mates at Turf Moor in Ings’ first season after signing from Bournemouth in the summer of 2011.

And Ings admitted he would love to be reunited on the international stage.

“Hopefully I can look at him and look at his journey and hopefully maybe one day we’ll play together for England,” said the striker, who scored twice on his home debut for the U21s against San Marino.

He is looking forward to the opportunity to add to his two caps after tomorrow’s crunch table topping Championship clash with Derby County.

“It’s still just as strong a feeling as it was the first time,” he continued.

“It’s a big achievement for me and my family.”

And Ings is hoping to prepare for it in the best way possible as he aims to fire Burnley five points clear in second by continuing their impressive home form with a win over their third-placed rivals, after convincingly beating fifth-placed Nottingham Forest last weekend.

“It is definitely (a huge opportunity), but the lads haven’t even mentioned it,” said the striker.

“Obviously it could give us breathing space between us and them but we’re going into it like it’s any other game and hopefully come out with the best result.”

Burnley, who are unbeaten in their last 20 league games at Turf Moor, face a Derby side who have thrust themselves into the automatic promotion picture after going seven games without defeat.

“At their place they had a different manager and staff and things weren’t going as well for them but I’m sure that if we turn up and do all the right things that we’ve done every week then we will be fine,” said Ings.

“In this league it’s all about momentum and consistency, and the performance we gave against Forest was outstanding, especially in the first half.

“I’m sure the lads will take that into this game and if we start the same I’m sure we’ll have every chance.”