JERSEY BOY’S JOY
PAUL FAIRCLOUGH has made England C history by selecting a player based in Jersey for an upcoming training camp – and he thinks he’s got the basis of a squad that can win the International Challenge Trophy.
St Pauls keeper Euan Van Der Vliet impressed when an FA Rep XI took on the Jersey FA in St Helier back in June.
The stopper saved two penalties in the shoot-out after a 1-1 draw and the boss wants to take a closer look when his selected group meet up at Lilleshall next weekend.
The three-day meet is part of the Three Lions’ preparations ahead of November’s International Challenge Trophy final in Slovakia.
The 22-man squad will be trimmed down to 16 ahead of the game as Fairclough, who says the door isn’t completely shut on any eligible player not selected, looks to make his final decisions.
“We’ll use Lilleshall really astutely,” Fairclough said. “I’ve got to maximise the time with the players. Some of these players I know from before but I want to have a thorough look. If the squad is picked from this 22, fine, but I want to make it clear the door is still open.
“I’m pleased we’ve selected Euan. He’s just turned 20 and will be the youngest in the camp. We’ve followed him, I’ve had continued reports of him out there. Because of the league he’s in, he possibly doesn’t get stretched enough. This will be a real test for him.”
In all there will be 11 new faces meeting up with the C squad for the first time and five players selected from the National League North, while Sutton United defender Louis John returns after scoring twice against Slovakia in a 4-3 defeat in June 2016.
Anniversary
Meanwhile, a 16-man FA Representative squad to take part in a special match against a Western League select side has also been announced.
The game to celebrate the league’s 125th anniversary takes place at Melksham Town on Wednesday, October 11 (kick-off 7pm).
Fairclough has selected players from Steps 3 and 4 clubs around the south and southwest area of the country for the occasion and said: “I’ve co-opted with Mick Jenkins, Steve Claridge’s assistant at Salisbury, to put the squad together. Some of the squad will be down to replays in the FA Trophy. It’s a regional squad and I’m really pleased with the group I’ve got together.”