Amy shoots for the stars

AMY Clinton picked for England senior netball squad

TEENAGE netball talent Amy Clinton has enjoyed a meteoric rise.

From being selected for England's under-21s for the first time last month, the 19-year-old from Royton has now pocketed a place in the 14-strong national senior squad.

Amy will rub shoulders with some of her Manchester Thunder team-mates for the three-Test series against Jamaica, which starts at the Copper Box on November 29.

"It was amazing when I was selected," said the former Royton and Crompton pupil.

"I went to the trials in Loughborough for a bit of experience, to see what it was all about, but when I found out I had been included it was such a big shock.

"I never expected it."

Shooter Amy, who also plays for Oldham Netball Club, joined up with her England colleagues yesterday in Stratford, London, and won't return home until after the final Test at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, on December 6. The middle leg of the series takes place in Manchester two days earlier.

"It will feel weird being among the senior group, crazy really, as I only made my under-21s debut in October," she said.

"It's always your dream to play for your country - I've watched England play - but now to be part of it is hard to believe. And everything has happened so fast as well."

Amy joined the Oldham club, the most successful in the country, at under-11s level. Working her way up the age groups, she has become a regular in the National Premier League side. Her talents were also spotted by Thunder and after impressing in the development squad, new coach Karen Greig has included her in the Superleague roster for the 2017 season.

While hoping to get some game time for England seniors, Amy has retained her place in the under-21s. They are playing Hertfordshire Mavericks (November 29), Scotland (December 4) and Wasps (December 6) before the seniors take to the court against Jamaica.

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