AFC Telford keeper James Montgomery gets huge boost from international call-up

The 22-year-old keeper has been included in the England C squad for Tuesday's game away to Estonia Under-23s in Tallinn.

Montgomery, who had originally been told he was on standby, will travel to London after Telford's game at Worcester today before flying out with the rest of the squad.

He said: "I'm absolutely buzzing. I heard about being put on standby a couple of weeks ago and then got the call on Monday, just before I was about to start training, to say I was in the squad. I couldn't believe it.

"I've never been to Estonia before, so it is one to tick off the bucket list. It's nice to be recognised for the hard work I have put in."

Montgomery, who trains with Premier League Sunderland during the early part of each week, has been among Telford's standout performers over the opening months of the campaign. The young keeper admits he now feels at home with the Bucks.

"People forget last season was my first one in men's football and I was pretty much still a kid," he said.

"Both (manager) Rob Smith and (assistant manager) Larry Chambers have said I look more confident this season. Things like this help.

"It does make you feel good about yourself. I guess you could say I have started believing in myself a bit more and have been able to take that into games."

Telford head into their game looking to halt a run of two straight defeats and Montgomery added: "My focus is still very much on Worcester, it's a big game for us.

"I'm not going to think about England until after that. Once I am over there, I hope I get to play."

England C, a team made up entirely of semi-professional players and managed by Paul Fairclough, need to avoid defeat in Tallinn in order to advance to the final of the International Challenge Trophy.