DEFENDER CALLED UP

Tom Flanagan called up by Northern Ireland

Gillingham defender Tom Flanagan, currently on loan from League One MK Dons, has been selected for Northern Ireland’s under-21 squad for next Tuesday’s friendly match with Stuart Pearce’s England.

The 20-year-old, who made his debut at Bristol City in the Capital One Cup, has scored one goal in 14 appearances for the Gills so far.

Speaking in his post-match press conference last night, Gills manager Martin Allen said “It is a fantastic achievement.

“I know he is an MK Dons player but he’s been playing here and to have an under-21 international is a fantastic achievement for the club. All the players gave him a standing ovation in the dressing room (on Tuesday night). It is good news and I am really pleased for him.”

The game against England is on Tuesday November 13 at Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road - kick-off 7.30pm.