LIONS’ WILL TO WIN
Rebels ace gets England chance
FROM AFC Blackpool to England, via Clitheroe, Kurt Willoughby is looking to take the next step on his rise when he meets up with NonLeague’s Three Lions.
The FC United striker has caught the attention of boss Paul Fairclough with five goals in 11 games for the National League North side.
Now he’s been selected in the 16-man squad for the international friendly with Estonia U23 at Leyton Orient on Wednesday, October 10.
Willoughby, 22, was playing Step 4 football with Clitheroe last season where he scored 33 goals in all competitions, including 26 in the NPL Division One North.
It put his promising career on an upward trajectory after playing in the North West Counties League with AFC Blackpool following his release from Fleetwood Town.
“I feel like I’ve stepped up well this season,” Willoughby told The NLP. “My main attribute is goalscoring which I’ve always carried on doing in whatever league I’ve played in.
“I’ve played at academies but it’s a lot tougher than last season. I feel I’m a lot fitter but there’s obviously more quality, bigger teams in terms of stadiums and status. It’s been a big change but it’s been good.
“I did my scholarship at Fleetwood but didn’t get a contract. So I dropped down into Non-League and I’m working my way back up. I was 17, 18, when I went to AFC Blackpool so it was about me getting used to men’s football and toughening myself up.”
Experience
Willoughby scored 40 goals in half a season for the Mechanics and, after scoring another 30 in the first half of the next campaign moved on to Clitheroe and then joined the Red Rebels in the summer.
Naturally pleased with how he’s taken to the new division, he admits an England C callup was a surprise.
“I’ve had a good start to the season,” Willoughby said. “If you’re doing well and scoring then a call-up is possible but it definitely came as a surprise.
“I’ve been looking at some of the players who have played for England C and gone into the League.
“When I was at Fleetwood I heard about some of the players who had played in the team so it’s going to be a great experience.”
Willoughby is one of 12 new faces in Fairclough’s squad. Chesterfield’s Laurence Maguire will follow in the international footsteps of big brother Harry, the Leicester City defender who starred in England’s run to the World Cup semi-final.
He’s joined by team-mate Jerome Binnom-Williams, while host club Orient have Josh Koroma and Marvin Ekpiteta selected.