SOUTHEND United striker Tes Bramble has received an International call up for Montserrat - despite never have visited the Caribbean island.

The 24-year-old forward netted on his debut against Antigua & Barbuda last week but was unable to stop his side, who are the lowest ranked in the world, losing 5-4.

"Ruel Fox, the former Norwich City player, is their manager at the moment and he gave me a ring," revealed Ipswich-born Bramble.

"He asked me whether I would be interested in playing for them as it is where my grandfather is from.

But Shrimpers manager Steve Tilson had mixed views on Bramble's International debut. "It's obviously good news for the club and good luck to Tes, but we could lose him for a number of games at any time now," he said.

"They might have a game which he wants to play in at any stage of the season and there is nothing we can do to stop him.

"He was approaching full fitness when he went out there but we would have been without him anyway.

"Wayne Gray and Fredy are doing very well at the moment but if one of them had been unavailable I would have been gutted not to have Tes."