A TALENTED South Somerset footballer has been selected in the England Schools FA squad.

Luke Manley, 17, lives in Crewkerne and plays for Combe St Nicholas in the Somerset County League.

He has also represented Bridgwater Town Reserves and Taunton Town during a highly impressive start to the current season, and has earned his selection in the ESFA squad after a series of local and national trials.

Manley, who is combining his football with A-Level studies at Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC), said: “I am delighted.

“It will be an honour to represent the country in what I love and enjoy doing most.

“I still have to work hard now in order to make the most of this chance.”

Team BTC manager Jamie Laird said: “His hard work and dedication since being involved with Team BTC sets a fantastic example to our current and future students.

“We wish him all the very best in this fantastic opportunity to go and represent his country and am sure he will do himself proud.”

Manley will meet his new team-mates in January for a friendly against the RAF.

Later that month they are due to play Australia, and further plans include an overseas training camp later in the year.