IT’S O SO SPECIAL
Orient’s lair can help inspire us, says boss
PAUL Fairclough is excited at the prospect of taking his England C team to Brisbane Road on Wednesday night for their international friendly with Estonia.
Fairclough admits that his young squad, featuring a number of new faces, will have to be at their best in East London if they are to come out on top against a well-organised Estonian side.
“I am really excited for Wednesday because it is going to be a really challenging game and is a great opportunity to show just how strong the talent is in Non-League at the moment” Fairclough, right, told The NLP.
“Estonia are one of the emerging nations in European football and their national team is getting better and better.
“It is going to be tough because we are used to playing Under-21 teams in the International Challenge Trophy, Estonia are bringing their Under-23 side, who are likely to pose a more dangerous threat. We will embrace the challenge though and it promises to be a great occasion.”
Pride
Fairclough has handed 13 new caps for the friendly and is keen for as many players as possible to have the special opportunity of pulling on the Three Lions jersey.
“I am really happy with the squad that we have put together,” said the former Barnet boss.
“The only shame is that we have lost young Tommy Wright, who has picked up an unfortunate injury whilst playing for Sutton against Leyton Orient last week.
“I wish Tommy all the best in his recovery and am looking forward to seeing him firing on all cylinders again when he recovers.
“I have brought in Salford’s Tom Walker as a replacement, who jumped at the opportunity, which was great to see. Grassroots players often need something to aspire to and I think making the England C team is a really useful target to have.
“For most of these players, representing their country will be one of the most special moments of their careers and something that they will remember for the rest of their lives.”
Orient duo Marvin Ekpiteta and Josh Koroma are two of Fairbut clough’s new caps and the Three Lions boss is hopeful that the O’s faithful will come out in large numbers to cheer on the home players, and the squad as a whole.
“Leyton Orient are flying high in the league and both Marvin and Josh have been instrumental to their success so hopefully lots of Orient fans will come through the turnstiles,” Fairclough concluded.
“It’s a really brilliant stadium to be playing at and the pitch is always terrific, which will hopefully make for an entertaining, free flowing game of football.
“I think that the quality of players in the National League has improved year on year and I am really excited to see the squad that we have put together take to the field.”