• Tall, pacey, and athletic 
• Good enough for England U-18

• Not good enough for Walter Smith

Carl's elevation to the England U-18 team marks another milestone for the versatile right back.  After signing a two-year extension to his Everton contract earlier this season, his performances for the youth team have pushed him to fringes of a first-team call-up.

Regan said: "It's a great boost for me.  I found out this morning that I was being included in the squad after previously being on stand-by. I'm quite pleased with my progress.  I've signed a new contract this season and I've been involved with the first team twice, against Ipswich and West Ham."

"I think I've come on over the last few months. I know I've still got an awful lot to learn but it would be good if I could get in the first 16 for a match before the end of the season."

Regan was a member of the youth team that humbled Swindon Town in an FA Youth Cup fourth round replay, and was became a solid member of the Reserves team in the 1998-99 season.  He started the 1999-2000 season on the edge of the first-team squad.  But, despite being a centre-back, he appears to have fallen victim to Walter Smith's obvious lack of enthusiasm for playing the youngsters, and he never even made it on to the first team bench.  

As if to confirm Smith's lack of faith, Regan turned down a new contract in May 2000, and then signed a deal with Barnsley, for an initial "nominal" fee in the region of £25,000.   At least he should now get some first-team football.