International's arrival boosts Staff

Stamford AFC manager David Staff has signed Antigua and Barbuda defender Luke Blakely from new Evo-Stik Northern Premier League rivals Barwell.

Blakely has seven international caps, the most recent coming in October 2012 against the USA in a 2-1 World Cup qualifier defeat. The USA team included Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard and former Fulham and Tottenham striker Clint Dempsey. The Antigua goal was scored by Nottingham Forest striker Dexter Blackstock.

The 25-year-old Blakely, who has also played for Loughborough Dynamo, is not available for Saturday's trip to Trafford but is expected to be in Staff's Premier Division squad when the Daniels host Rushall Olympic on Tuesday.

Staff, pictured, said: "Luke is a signing that I hope will shore up our defence and gives us more options there."