It might be only the Premier League and Championship who have their whole programmes halted to cope with players called up for internationals – but one team playing in the TENTH tier of English football is also set to lose a man to play for his nation.

Westfield – of the Southern Combination League Division 1 – have had Michael Rwabigwi called up to represent Rwanda in the upcoming U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Cameroon.

The club said: “It’s an incredible achievement for Mikey and a hugely proud moment for everyone connected with Westfield FC.”

Rwanda are due to play at home to Cameroon on Wednesday (Nob 11) and away to the same opponents six days later.

Westfield FC's Michael Rwabigwi has been called up to represent Rwanda | Image: Westfield FC

placeholder image — Westfield FC's Michael Rwabigwi has been called up to represent Rwanda | Image: Westfield FC

Westfield added: “Everyone at the club wishes Michael the very best of luck as he prepares to pull on his country's shirt and represent Rwanda on the international stage.

"Congratulations, Mikey! The whole of Westfield FC is behind you!”

A Westfield spokesman told us: “We were contacted by the federation asking if we could release him for international duty. It’s a deserved call-up.”