AFC Telford United striker Andy Brown could be set for international honours – after being named on standby for the England C squad’s friendly in Malta.

The ‘C’ side – a squad of non-League English players – will travel to Paola in Malta to play the island’s under-21s on Tuesday, February 17.

Brown, who has scored 15 goals for the Bucks this season, will join the party for the first time if one of the first choice strikers picked by boss Paul Fairclough are forced to drop out.

Fairclough has named an experimental squad which includes six players from the Blue Square North – two from Alfreton, two from Droylsden and one each from Gainsbourough Trinity and Tamworth.

“It’s always nice to be called up to something like this – a bit of a confidence booster,” said the 22-year-old Loughborough University student.

“If somebody does happen to drop out then I’ll obviously be keen to impress the manager and stay involved.

“I’m still struggling a bit with injury but hopefully I’ll be okay by then. Playing for England at any level would be an honour.”

Previous players to have been involved in the C squad before turning professional include Danny Collins, now at Sunderland and Wolves winger Michael Kightly.

The Bucks host Vauxhall Motors on the same night as the international fixture.

Meanwhile, United will make the long journey to Barrow in the northern section semi-final of the Setanta Shield on Tuesday.

The Blue Square premier outfit beat Southport 3-1 last night at Holker Street.

By CHRIS HUDSON

• Tickets are still available for Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash at Tamworth. The Bucks have been given 650 tickets and the remainder are on sale until Friday at the club office in the Learning Centre between 9am and 5pm. Telephone booking can also be done between the same times, with a £1.50 admin charge payable.