In 1982, Alan Smith narrowly failed to help Alvechurch pip Nuneaton Borough to the Southern League Championship. But he did earn international recognition when he was selected for the England semi-pro side, featuring that summer in games against Italy and Scotland in Aberdeen, and in an away friendly in Gibraltar.

A move to Leicester City at the end of that season for £22,000 saw Smith’s career move upwards and in 1987 he moved to Arsenal for £800,000, where he would later score 115 goals in 345 games, winning two League Championships (finishing twice as First Division top scorer), one League Cup, one FA Cup and memorably the 1994 European Cup Winners' Cup, when his goal saw Arsenal defeat Parma, with Gianfranco Zola, 1-0.

At Arsenal, he went on to make 4 England ‘B’ appearances and pick up 13 full England caps, scoring twice.

In 1988/89, ‘Smudger’ added another record of being the first player to graduate from the England semi-pro side to full England honours, making his senior debut against Saudi Arabia. It was a feat that is still proudly remembered by Smith.

Alan told TheFA.com this week: “I was first chosen to play for my country when I was at Alvechurch. I was only 19. At that stage of my career it was a tremendous honour for my family and myself - but also for everyone associated with the club.

“I was the youngest player in the team by some way, but it taught me a lot about styles of play and tactics used by different countries. I wasn’t to know it would stand me in such good stead later in my career."

Smith lost out on being the only one to hold this unique record when Steve Guppy, who represented England at semi-pro level as a Wycombe player in 1993, made his senior debut against Belgium in 1999.

“To be honest I remember watching the Belgium game at the Stadium of Light”, said Smith “and with 20 minutes to go, the board came up and Steve came on. I was obviously happy for him to make his full debut, but a bit of me was disappointed that I’d lost the record!”

Since the end of his playing career, Smith has forged a successful role as football commentator and writer, and continues to follow the progress of the National Game XI under Paul Fairclough.

“I know Paul from his work at Arsenal and he is a very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and passionate man about the game.

“The players that he has selected have an opportunity that doesn’t come along for very many players in their career; the chance to represent their country and pull on that England shirt.

“I know that the side to play Italy has some very talented players. They have a great opportunity to put themselves in the shop window and maybe impress one of the Premier or Football League scouts who will be in attendance, as well as what will hopefully be a bumper crowd at Gay Meadow.

“I remember my time playing at that level very fondly and certainly feel that it helped launch my career.

“In 1982, playing for the England semi-pro’s, I would never have dreamt that I’d later be playing alongside Ian Wright, Gary Lineker and Bryan Robson for the senior side. I hope that my career inspires some of the lads on Wednesday night – who are still under-23 - to see that if they work hard, they could achieve what they thought may only be possible in their dreams.”

The England National Game XI take on Italy’s Under-23’s at Gay Meadow, Shrewsbury Town FC on Wednesday 11 February. Kick-off is 7.45pm and admission is free.

* In one change to the squad, Barnet’s talented young midfielder Ismail Yakubu comes in to replace Telford United’s Sam Ricketts, who will be on FA Cup duty against Millwall.

** Shrewsbury Town have stepped-up their all out operation to prepare Gay Meadow for Wednesday's prestige England non-League international.

It will literally be all hands to the pumps down at the ground this afternoon with the fire brigade being called in to help Brian Perry remove the remaining flood water from the pitch.

"It's all systems go down here again but it's all part of the job, so you just get used to it," admitted experienced Groundsman Brian Perry.

"With the fire brigade here pumping off the rest of the water we should be able to get on and work on it.

"We've got to let nature take its course and then see how it goes.

"It's nice to have a match like this here but I've always prepared for every game the same way by trying to do the best I can and that won't change."