By Claire Boden

Marc Albrighton is looking forward to making his competitive debut for England under 21s in their forthcoming Euro 2011 qualifiers.

The Villa starlet enjoyed a 19-minute cameo appearance for Stuart Pearce's side in the 2-0 friendly win over Uzbekistan last month.

The Young Lions need maximum points against Portugal on Friday and Lithuania on Tuesday to keep their hopes of qualification for next summer's finals alive.

Indeed, Albrighton says the pressure to win both games is something he will thrive off.

"It was just nice to make my debut [against Uzbekistan] and I am looking forward to playing a part against Portugal and Lithuania," he exclusively told AVTV.

"We have got to win both games to qualify so there is a lot of riding on it which I'll thrive off and look forward to playing in and getting a result."

A familiar face in the under 21s camp for Albrighton is fellow claret and blues team-mate Nathan Delfouneso. 

A number of withdrawals from the squad notably Andy Carroll and Jack Rodwell could pave the way for the Villa duo to stake a claim in the starting XI.

And the Tamworth-born midfielder admits it's good to have Delfouneso with him on international duty.

He continued: "It always helps to have a friendly face around, a face that you know and you can talk to and get on with. It's always nice and we will go there and hopefully we will do well.

"It has been a hard start to the season but I'm enjoying every minute of it.

"Last year I would have taken this any day of the week - playing every week and enjoying my football.

"It's great to be out there and enjoying myself."

Watch the exclusive interview with Marc on AVTV now.

England take on Portugal on Friday at Barcelos Cidade Stadium, Barcelos, Portugal. Kick-off 6pm (BST). Four days later Lithuania are the opponents at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, Colchester United FC. Kick-off 4pm.