League starlet named in England squad

EVO-STIK Northern Premier League star Che Adams was named on Thursday in the England C squad to take on Estonia in the International Challenge Trophy.

The Ilkeston FC teenager, pictured, was the only player from outside the Football Conference to be called up for the clash after England manager Paul Fairlclough watched him score his fourth goal in five matches against EVO-STIK League Southern St Neots in the FA Trophy on Saturday.

League One Crewe Alexandra are also reported to have made at least one bid for the 18-year-old who has scored nine goals so far this season to lure dozens of Football League scouts to the New Manor Ground.

He came within inches of grabbing two more in the 2-1 First Qualifying Round defeat for the Premier Division club at the weekend and Robins manager Kevin Wilson hailed his inclusion in Fairclough's 29-man squad who face Estonia in Halifax on Tuesday 18 November.

Wilson said: "The initial squad is bigger than they would normally name and will be whittled down once they establish whether certain players are needed by their clubs for cup replays.

"But regardless of that, it’s fantastic for Che and our club that he has been recognised in this way. It confirms that he is now firmly on the radar of football people who matter."

Wilson believes their academy graduate is only going to keep getting better after his rapid rise through the ranks to break into the club's senior side last term as a 16-year-old.

He added: "He’s had a lot to contend with in the past few weeks because of all the activity with agents and scouts but is doing his best to concentrate on what matters most so I’m delighted for him.

"He works very hard to improve his game, is always prepared to listen to advice and I’m convinced there’s still a lot of improvement to come. For example, he has now started to add goals to his repertoire and he has a very rare ability to change games."

Image courtesy of of Ilkeston FC/Craig Lamont

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