C squad for Bosnia

Bosnia & Herzegovina A2 v England C
International Friendly
The Grbavica Stadium, Sarajevo,
4.30pm, Tuesday 16 September 2008

England C manager Paul Fairclough has named a 16 man squad for the forthcoming trip to Sarajevo to take on Bosnia & Herzegovina in what will be vital preparation for the International Challenge Trophy Group A decider in Italy in November.

The match, which will be played in the Grbavica Stadium in Sarajevo on Tuesday 16 September, will be against the Bosnian A2 squad which is in effect their second string team and is used as a bridge between their Under-21 side and the senior team. 

Although the Bosnian’s will be an 'open-age' side, Fairclough has decided to go with an Under-23 side in preparation for the Italy match.

“We have lost a number of players from the squad which has taken us to within a point of qualifying for the International Challenge Trophy final," said Fairclough. 

"This fixture gives me an ideal opportunity to look at some new players prior to the Italy game later in the year.”

There is a return to the squad for Ebbsfleet goalkeeper Lance Cronin (pictured below) who missed both the Four Nations Tournament and trip to the Caribbean to undergo surgery whilst Cronin’s team-mate James Smith retains his place following a very impressive debut in Barbados. 

Conference newcomers Mansfield Town and Wrexham are also represented in Fairclough’s first squad of the season.

The game also provides an opportunity to discuss with the Bosnian FA the possibility of them entering a side in the 2009-11 International Challenge Trophy (ICT). 

Leagues Manager Mike Appleby, who is also the ICT Tournament Director, is aware of their interest. 

“I have spoken with the Bosnian’s on a number of occasions and I know that they are keen to provide a competitive fixture programme for their A2 side,” he added.

“Hopefully during our trip to Sarajevo we will be able to discuss arrangements for the next competition in more detail and secure their entry”

England C Squad