AFC Fylde star James Hardy has spoken of his delight at making his international debut as England C won in Estonia to reach the final of the International Challenge Trophy.

The tricky midfielder has enjoyed a fine start to the season with the Coasters and was rewarded with a first call up to Paul Fairclough’s England side.

Hardy was thrown straight into the starting line-up and made both goals in the 2-1 victory. 

“I was pleased because I had quite a big impact in terms of getting the assists for both the goals. Overall, it was a good performance from the team and I was even happier that I managed to play such a big part in the win.

“My first assist I just turned my man inside out on the edge of the box to the right-hand side. I put it into a good area and Elliott Whitehouse scored with a good header. It was a decent delivery. For the second goal, the ball broke to me in the middle of the park and I’ve run forward a bit to slip Jamal Lowe in and then he’s finished it off.

“The experience was class. The team, the stadium and the experience of hearing that national anthem, it was class. It was a really good experience.

“I was buzzing to hear that I was starting. To be fair, we found out the morning before the game and throughout the day, I was calm. As it got close to the match though, I was getting excited and I just wanted to do well and I think I did that to be fair.

“A few of the lads have texted to say ‘well done’ and things like that. From all the fans that follow me on Twitter as well, the reaction has been really good as well.”