Greg Taylor is one of nine faces to be handed a first international call-up after being named in manager Paul Fairclough’s 16-man England C squad.
The Kettering Town defender, from Bedford, will join the likes of Luton Town stars Jake Howells and Matthew Barnes-Homer for the friendly against Wales under-23s in Newton FC on Tuesday, September 14, ahead of the International Challenge Trophy fixture against Estonia in Tallinn next month.
The 20-year-old, who went to Mark Rutherford Upper School, started his career at Rushden & Diamonds before moving to Football League side Northampton Town.
He made one appearance in the Cobblers’ memorable 2-1 Carling Cup away victory at Bolton Wanderers, which he described as a highlight of his career so far. After being released last year, the then Poppies boss, Mark Cooper, took him to the Blue Square Bet Premier outfit.
His form this season, after replacing injured Sol Davis, has caught the attention of England boss Fairclough.
“I didn’t think I’d get an opportunity like this but with it being a small squad, that tells me I’m likely to make the bench at least,” said Taylor.
“I’m looking forward to being given the chance to be on a bigger stage.
“There should be a few people watching and it provides an opportunity to move my career forward.
“It’s one step at a time. At the moment I’m just over the moon to have been selected. I want to stake a place in the team. I’m young and I want to be successful as a footballer.
“If it comes, it comes, but it is down to me to make it happen. This puts you out there, so you never knowwhat could happen.”
