Kenny leads the way for England's Italian job (From Gazette)

Kenny leads the way for England's Italian job

9:00am Thursday 9th February 2012 in General Exclusive By Simon Spurgeon

England C team manager Paul Fairclough says Kenny Davis’ leadership qualities were a key factor in his selection to represent his country against Italy later this month.

The Braintree Town skipper has been included in England C’s 16-man squad to face the Italians in their International Challenge Trophy opener at Fleetwood Town’s Highbury ground on February 28.

Davis’ influence on the pitch impressed Fairclough when making his debut in a friendly between England’s non-league under-23 side and Gibraltar in November and in subsequent Blue Square Bet Premier action for the Iron.

Fairclough said: “We’ve gone through a period of assessment and have finalised the group to go forth into the International Challenge Trophy, which is a massive tournament.

“We had a look at Kenny when he played against Gibraltar and have continued to look at him in the last month or so.

“I’m really pleased for him that he has got this chance.

“His leadership qualities catch the eye first of all.

“Kenny is an example to everyone and I’m sure the rest of the Braintree players look at him as a leader."

See the paper this week for the full version of this story and to find out which other Braintree players have caught the England boss' eye, as well as all the news and exclusive views from the Iron.