Scotland manager Craig Levein has held talks with Blackpool’s Matt Phillips over a surprise call-up for the England Under-20 cap.

The highly-rated winger could be selected by Levein for the international friendly against Slovenia on February 29.

Phillips was brought to Levein’s attention by national team scout Michael Oliver after a number of impressive displays for the Seasiders.

The winger has scored 16 times in 30 appearances for Ian Holloway’s side this season as they aim for promotion from the English Championship.

Though the 20-year old has played for England at youth levels, the Aylesbury-born player has a Scottish grandmother and is eligible to play for Scotland.

Paperwork will have to be ratified by FIFA before Phillips can switch allegiance but that could be completed before the Slovenia match.

However, Phillips would not be “tied” to Scotland until he has a cap in a competitive match, with the first opportunity being the World Cup qualifier against Serbia on September 8.