England C a real quality in Blyth duo
BLYTH Spartans have had two players capped at England C level in one season for the first time in 32 years.
Right-back Andrew Cartwright made his international debut in November’s defeat in Slovakia.
Free-scoring striker Dan Maguire then finally made his England bow this week in a friendly against Wales in Barry.
Maguire contributed two assists in a 3-2 win, one by earning a penalty, and was delighted to earn national recognition.
Maguire said: ”I am delighted to have made my England debut and it is a great honour to represent your country.
“To contribute to two of the goals is always nice – hopefully I can take this form into the remainder of the season.”
Blyth boss Alun Armstrong, hoping to bring his son Luke back to Croft Park on loan from Middlesbrough today, paid tribute to Maguire.
He said: “Maguire did exceptionally well on his England C debut in Wales by all accounts, which does not surprise me.
“He is a quality player and I just hope I don’t get a phone call today on transfer deadline day from a Conference club trying to prize him away from Blyth.
“It would take a lot of money to do that and we are trying to get into the top flight ourselves next season.
“To have two players capped by the country at non-league level in one season shows the quality of the player we have at Blyth.”
Spennymoor Town schemer Rob Ramshaw also made his international debut in Wales, while Gateshead goalkeeper James Montgomery also featured.
The Wearsider came off the bench for the final 10 minutes and will be between the posts for the Heed’s FA Trophy semi-final against Bromley on Saturday.