NAIM ARSAN hopes Wales C boss Mark Jones doesn’t hold a grudge as he looks to make his second international debut.

Futsal international Arsan received a phone call from Jones telling him of his inclusion in the Wales C squad for tonight’s clash with their English counterparts at Jenner Park.

But the Cefn Druids ace thought it was a wind up, before he realised it was really Jones, who he was forced to apologise to.

Arsan said: “I thought it was one of the boys trying to pull my leg, but when I found out it was true I was really happy.

“First of all though, I had to message Mark Jones back to apologise for being rude on the phone.”

That response from Arsan was because he felt as though he stood little chance of being selected for the newly formed squad.

“When I first heard of the Wales C squad I didn’t think for a second that I would have had a chance,” said Arsan. “It’s not that I have doubt in my own ability, but there is a lot of talent in this league.

“I have been pleased with my form as I have had a lot of game time, but I always want to do better.

“I am really looking forward to the game, I think it will be one I won’t forget.

“When I saw the England C squad I was thinking the same thing but yeah, it would be great to test myself against them and see how much of a step in levels are.”

On adding a Wales C appearance to his futsal caps, Arsan added: “Fingers crossed I play. I’m not too sure if representing your country in two codes has happened before, it would be a great achievement and an externally proud moment for me.”

Arsan is the only representative from Druids, who surprised the top-flight by securing a top-six place.

And the left-sided defender or midfielder, believes some of his team mates, notably Nathan Peate, were unlucky not to feature.

“We have got a strong side together this year and I think a few of them could have been close to selection,” said Arsan. “Going on form this year I think Nathan is very unlucky not to get in as I think personally he has been one of the best in the league this year.”

With Peate, Arsan and plenty more Druids’ players impressing, it’s little surprise that the Ancients have secured a top six finish this season.

“It is great because people wrote us off at the start of the year and predicted us to be one of the teams to be relegated and for us as a club to achieve that it is massive for us going forward,” said Arsan. “Being a few games away from Europe is very exciting and I can’t wait for the challenge.”

Connah’s Quay Nomads have three players in the 18-man squad, Kai Edwards, Jay Owen and Mike Pearson while lining up against the Welsh for Paul Fairclough’s side is Chester’s teenage centre back James Jones.

Wales squad: Ashley Morris, Chris Venables (Bala Town), Kai Edwards, Mike Pearson, Jay Owen (CQ Nomads), Mike Lewis, Chris Hugh, Kayne McLaggon, Jordan Cotterill (Barry Town), Connor Rawlinson, Aeron Edwards (TNS), Adam Roscrow, Eliot Evans (Cardiff Met), Naim Arsan (Druids), John Owen (Aberystwyth), Toby Jones (Llandudno), Craig Williams (Newtown).

England squad: James Montgomery (Gateshead), Grant Smith (Boreham Wood); Louis John (Sutton), Daniel Jones (Barrow), James Jones (Chester), Sam Ling (Leyton Orient), Joshua Stanton (Woking); Ryan Croasdale (Kidderminster), James Hardy (AFC Flylde), James Kellerman (Aldershot), Robert Ramshaw (Spennymoor), Joshua Rees (Bromley), Thomas Walker (Salford City); Jason Gilchrist (Southport), Daniel Maguire (Blyth Spartans), Fejiri Okenabirhie (Dagenham & Redbridge).