Dursley Sport
Four Forest Green players named in England C squad
5:01pm Wednesday 8th February 2012
FOREST Green boss David Hockaday hailed his ‘Fab Four’ after Jamie Turley, Eddie Oshodi, Kieron Forbes and Matt Taylor earned England international call-ups.
The quartet have been named in the England ‘C’ squad for the International Challenge Trophy against Italy on Tuesday, February 28.
“I am delighted for them,” said Hockaday.
“Forest Green are raising the bar and setting records. We will boast the youngest and highest representation in the squad.
“James Rowe, James Norwood and Chris Stokes were due to be involved in the postponed game against India, so this is a massive credit to the whole club and even to the players not involved.”
Taylor has been placed on standby for the clash at Fleetwood Town’s Highbury Stadium and Forbes has won selection for the England matchday squad after twice being named before as a shadow member of the England ‘C’ team, but is currently recovering from a hamstring niggle picked up against Wrexham.
"I’ve been on standby for the last two call–ups, but this is is the first time I’ve been selected to play," Forbes said.
“But to be honest I haven’t really thought too much about it, because I’m just concentrating on getting fit to play for Forest Green.
“It’s nice to be selected but I don’t need any more motivation to get fit than wanting to play every week for Forest Green.”
Oshodi has form in a Three Lions shirt, having played for England under-16s in 2007/08 and under-17s in 2008/09 as a scholar at Watford, while Turley made his England ‘C’ debut earlier this season in the 3-1 friendly loss to Gibraltar.
Manager Paul Fairclough has recognised a Forest Green defensive pairing that has contributed to the side having the fourth best defensive record in the Blue Square Premier and with many players capped at non-league level going on to play at a higher level, this provides the Rovers trio with a chance to showcase their wares.
England ‘C’ have finished runners-up at the last two tournaments in 2009 and 2011.
On both occasions, England were beaten 1-0 with Belgium proving victorious in 2009 and Portugal edging out the Three Lions in Northampton last year.
England won the tournament for the seventh time in May 2008, which is played against various under-23 and non-league national teams.