YOUNG Centre of Excellence midfielder Ashley Davies won national plaudits and the man of the match award when he scored a hat-trick recently for England Under-19s against Northern Ireland in the Home International Championship for players with learning disabilities.

Davies plays for Football in the Community's Centre of Excellence, part of their Aviva Ability Counts programme and was delighted to receive a call up for his country.

"When I heard I had won a place in the England squad I was overwhelmed," he said. "It is one thing I never expected to be doing. It is a honour to represent my country."

The event took place at the Billy Neil Centre in Belfast, with the home nations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland being represented.

Davies' first goal against Northern Ireland came after winning the ball on the edge of the area and unleashing a snapshot, which soared into the top corner of the goal. He doubled his tally just five minutes later with a rasping shot, and his hat-trick was complete when he successfully converted a penalty after the Northern Ireland goalkeeper was sent off for violent conduct. England went on to a convincing 10-1 victory and become Under-19 Home International Champions.

Commenting on Davies' success, Laurence York FITC Disability development Officer said: "Ashley's attitude towards the Centre of Excellence has been outstanding, his work ethic and commitment serves a great example to the rest of the group. He is technically a very gifted player and has genuine potential to take his career further. We were over the moon with his England call up, his performance at the Home International Tournament has been the icing on the cake. I now want him to continue to work hard within the Centre of Excellence and hopefully become a regular in the England squad."

For more information on Football in the Community's Centre of Excellence and Aviva Ability Counts Programme call 01603 761122.