HARDY FLYING HIGH AT FYLDE

JAMES HARDY feels he has a point to prove and says AFC Fylde are the club to help him do that. Released by Oldham Athletic for being too small, Hardy then spent four years at Manchester City before joining the ambitious Coasters in October 2015. The 19-year-old forward has been getting rave reviews for performances this season and has earned his first call-up to England C. “After Manchester City didn’t give me a new contract I had a few trials at clubs, but I wasn’t ready for the first team,” he said. “That’s why I ended up going to Fylde because I wanted to play first team football – I didn’t want to go down the U21 route again. “It’s a lot more intense and hopefully I can answer the questions of the people who doubt I can play in the first team. “I feel like I’ve got a point to prove. Obviously I’d love to get back into the Football League, but I’m concentrating on playing for Fylde and hopefully we can get promotion this season.” He certainly made the most of his chance to impress C boss Paul Fairclough by scoring a goal in Tuesday’s training game against Nuneaton. “I knew the standard would be good – all the players are a division above me,” Hardy said. “The football they play suits the way I like to play. I’ve really enjoyed it. “I can’t wait for the Estonia game now. International football is meant to be a lot different in terms of the football the other teams play, so it will be a good experience.”