Simeon Akinola's impressive form for Braintree Town last season has been rewarded with a call-up for the England C team.

The Iron midfielder had a great campaign in the Vanarama Conference Premier after joining the club from Harrow Borough last summer and that has been recognised with a first national call by England C boss Paul Fairclough.

The England squad that Akinola has been included in will face the Republic of Ireland Under-21 team in Galway on June 1 and, along with the Braintree player, Fairclough has named a number of debutants in his squad.

Fairclough said: Gone are the players who served us well over the last couple of years and I have selected a squad drawn from Step one, two, three and four of the National League System.

"I believe in giving young talented players an opportunity to represent their Country regardless of the level they are currently playing.

"There will be as many as ten players in the 16 man squad who will make their International debut.

"It will be a proud moment for the players, their families and me."

The England C team is for under-23 players operating outside the Football League.