James Montgomery focused on helping AFC Telford climb the table
AFC Telford United goalkeeper James Montgomery enjoyed his England C call-up – but insists his focus is on helping the Bucks move up the National League North table.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper kept his ninth clean sheet of the campaign as the Bucks beat Darlington 2-0 on Saturday.
Just four days prior to the game, he was on the bench as England C won 2-1 against Estonia in the International Challenge Trophy.
"It was a different experience for me. I have been to different countries and played before with the Nike Academy," said Montgomery.
"To go with the national side and represent your country was great for me. That's the aim – to get some minutes under my belt with the team in the future – and it's nice to get the recognition.
"It will be hard to get another call though as there are some really talented goalkeepers in the league above. For now, my focus is on Telford, getting some wins together and getting us up the table."
Telford are 14th in the league after beating Darlington, who slipped from second to third.
"I don't think many people would have backed us to get a result," added Montgomery.
"John-Paul Kissock came in and helped us.
"It just shows we can compete with anyone in this league when we are on our game. We have shown that we have some big-game players."
Telford have conceded 20 goals from their 19 games – they have the joint-fourth meanest defence in the division.
Montgomery was quick to credit the Bucks back line.
"This season I have had some very good defenders in front of me. I have had a solid back four, or five in front of me every game," he said.
"There is Luca Havern, Ben Bailey, Paul McCone, Dwayne Samuels, Ben O'Hanlon and then you have got the likes of Dan Preston and Darren Campion.
"We have not been carved open by any team. I don't think I have had a game where I have been really busy throughout and having to make a lot of saves."
