Jamie Vardy’s call up to Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions squad has shocked the footballing world and plenty of fans, especially in the non-league world have been delighted by the Leicester City man’s unlikely inclusion.

The 28 year old played for FC Halifax Town during the 2010-11 season, as he lined up alongside current Blues manager Simon Garner. The duo shared a dressing room at the Shay for a year as Neil Aspin’s men gained automatic promotion to the Conference North.

Garner played a part in a number of Vardy’s 29 league goals that campaign and the player’s partnership blossomed over a 12 month period, as the former’s fine form gained him a lucrative move to Fleetwood Town at the end of the title winning season.

Clitheroe’s boss was not surprised to see his good friend called up to the England set-up this morning, as he praised the forward for playing himself into European qualification contention with Hodgson’s men.

“It is a shock to many but Vardy fully deserves his international call-up. Representing your country is the pinnacle of any player’s career and we are all delighted to see today’s news.”

Garner added with great delight; “He’s not changed his style of play and his strengths have always stayed the same. Jamie terrorises back fours with his pace and he plays with no fear, I wish him all the best!”

FC Halifax Town’s promotion season four years ago saw the side obtain a staggering 98 points, with 30 victories coming from 42 matches.

Despite missing out on the golden boot that campaign, Vardy had a strike rate of a goal every 1.4 games and Garner believes the momentum he gained then, has led to him becoming the player he is today.

“I always knew he was a very good forward. When we had him in the team, you knew you always had a chance. He can win games on his own and he rarely scores tap-ins.

“Jamie isn’t one to get carried away or big headed and he totally deserves the recognition he has gained. His performances for Leicester over the last five to six weeks have been exceptional and he has been a real threat for Premier League defenders.”

Aswell as Vardy, another non-league graduate Charlie Austin received the long awaited phone call from FA head-quarters too.
The notable inclusions of two former semi-professional players will surely stand as great encouragement for Evo-Stik players in the future, as the Blues boss finished by claiming more players in the lower echelons of the game should aim to reach the top.

“This inclusion has surely got to give non-league players the determination to prove themselves as it shows what can be done with hard work. For Jamie to make the Premier league was huge but now he’s in the England set-up it just shows how hard work can help you gain success.”