Heptathlete Jessica Ennis was shocked to be selected to represent England at the Commonwealth Games despite her rapid development over the last year which saw her claim the European Junior crown.

The young Sheffield athlete, who turned 20 at the end of January, made notable progress in 2005, lifting the European title before going on to claim bronze at the World University Games just weeks later in Turkey.

Having started the season with a personal best of 5,542, Ennis improved in her first competition of the year before setting a new best of 5,910 at the Games.

She was then invited to compete against the likes of world champion Kajsa Bergqvist in the high jump at the Norwich Union Grand Prix at Don Valley Stadium before receiving her shock call-up to travel to Melbourne.

Ennis said: "I was very surprised. Last year just went so well but if you would have asked me a year ago that I'd be going to the Commonwealths I'd say 'no way'.

"I'm getting a bit nervous because it's coming along quickly. I'm still excited though."

Ennis will be up against the likes of Olympic bronze medallist and England team-mate Kelly Sotherton who will be the hot favourite following the withdrawal of world bronze medallist Margaret Simpson with Australia's Kylie Wheeler set to provide opposition.

Despite being ranked sixth in the Commonwealth, Ennis has more modest goals than eyeing a place on the podium.

"My main aim is to score 6,000 or above. If I did that I'd be pretty pleased. I'm looking at that more."

Ennis is currently combining being a full-time psychology student at Sheffield University with preparation for the Games, training six days a week with coach Tony Minichello and is pondering a switch to part-time studies.

Although this will be her first senior international, Ennis has already experienced the demands of competing in Australia after she appeared at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Bendigo in 2004 - something of potentially great benefit considering the early scheduling of the Games in March.

Ennis, whose earliest previous heptathlon was in May, said: "I experienced the long flight and the weather.

"I found it quite hard with the time difference. We only went there a week before we competed but this time we'll go over two weeks before."

While the Games might be imminent, Ennis is looking further ahead to the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and beyond.

"Heptathletes tend to peak later so it is very exciting," she added. "Hopefully I'll peak in London in 2012. I'll be targeting Beijing - not to medal but to get a feel."

The last year has been one of massive change and development for Ennis but it is something she is clearly taking in her stride.

"It's been different because I'm doing a lot of interviews and photo shoots.

"People know you and what you do and the support is nice."