Darlington goalkeeper Aynsley Pears has today been called up for the England Under 20 squad.

Aynsley has been outstanding for us since he arrived on loan from Middlesbrough, and has kept clean sheets in each of his last three matches in the Vanarama National League North, and has also played a key role of just one defeat in the last ten matches.

Aynsley was originally included in the squad as a warm-up keeper and wasn't going to travel, but one of the other keepers has now picked up an injury, so Aynsley is now on his way to Poland with the Under 20s for the game there tomorrow afternoon, and then he is on duty again for the home game against Portugal next week. He returns from Poland on Friday, and joins up with us for the away game at AFC Telford on Saturday.

Darlington manager Tommy Wright said; “We’re delighted for Aynsley, because he’s played well for us since he came on loan. He actually phoned me up and apologised for missing training on Thursday, which shows what a great lad he is.”

Everyone at Darlington FC would like to wish Aynsley the best of luck.