Mossley pair in England call

JOE Heap (left) and Fabio Abreu.

Non-League football: MOSSLEY duo Fabio Abreu and Joe Heap have been training with England under-18 schoolboys squad ahead of the Centenary Shield.

The 17-year-olds have been star performers for the Lilywhites’ youth team, under the guidance of coach Rob Byrne.

After catching the eye of England scouts, they headed to Lilleshall national sports centre for training.

Striker Abreu, released by Manchester City, has been selected for the final 18-man squad, while ex-Athletic trainee Heap, who operates on the left flank, remains on stand-by.

England face Northern Ireland on March 4 and Wales on March 25.

The following two fixtures, screened live on Sky Sports, are against Scotland on April 21 and Republic of Ireland a week later.

Byrne, whose side sit in third place in the North-West Youth Alliance, said: “They have both played very well this season and deserve the opportunity.

“Joe and Fabio have contributed to our efforts this season. If we win our two games in hand we go second, behind FC United who have won all of their games in the league so far.

“We beat them in the cup though, which bodes well.”

Shaun Higgins, first-team boss at Seel Park, said: “The lads have done brilliantly for our youth team and they deserve their call-up.

“It is fantastic for this club, because Fabio and Joe have rubbed shoulders with players from the Barclays Premier League and Championship during training sessions at Lilleshall.

“They have featured for the Mossley first team in cup games this season, and with so many league games left to play, I am sure they will get a chance to shine again before the end of the campaign.

“As far as I know, the only other player at this level to receive a call-up is Dale Whitton at Chorley, so their achievement cannot be underestimated.”

Club secretary Harry Hulmes added: “Rob Byrne is doing a fantastic job with our youth team. He has played a pivotal role in the progress made by Fabio and Joe.”


MOSSLEY make their way to Leigh Genesis tonight in the Evo-Stik League Division One North (7.45pm kick-off).
The Lilywhites are without Ben Richardson, who serves the first of a two-game suspension. A pitch inspection takes place today, but Genesis are confident the match will go ahead.