Italian job gives Crane a lift

JAMES CRANE returned to the Rocks squad with new England experience '“ and was tipped to carry on his rapid rise to football fame.

The defender has just returned to Nyewood Lane '“ and Chichester College, where he is studying '“ after helping the England Colleges squad reach the final of the under-18 Roma Caput Mundi tournament in Rome.

Crane played in one of England's four games, which culminated in a defeat to Italy in the final.

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His fellow Chichester College team-mate Mickey Demetriou scored twice and forced his way into the starting line-up after initially impressing as a substitute.

Rocks manager and Chichester College football academy head Darin Killpartrick said Crane and Demetriou would have learned much from the trip.

"They are very talented footballers and have done well to get themselves into the squad. Obviously James is part of things at Bognor and we are glad to have him back in our squad. He has done well for us."

Crane will be in the 16 to face St Albans on Saturday, when the Rocks may face a goalkeeper crisis.

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Anthony Ender suffered a groin problem at Bromley and is only 50/50 to be fit.

Killpartrick has a possible replacement lined up, and is also hoping to recruit one more youngster for the squad before Saturday. That would probably be the last addition this season.

Danny Smith is in line for a recall in midfield after a ban.