PHIL PARKINSON spoke of his delight after seeing Jacob Mendy receive his first international call-up.

The Wrexham wing-back has been named in the Gambia squad for tomorrow’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to South Sudan.

Fresh from helping the Reds clinch the National League title and return to the Football League following a 15-year absence, Mendy will now aim to play his part as Gambia aim to take another step towards qualifying for the tournament which starts in January.

There are four teams in the group and the top-two will progress to the finals in the Ivory Coast.

Gambia are third but level on points with second placed Congo and only three behind leaders Mali, with two games remaining.

Mendy arrived at The Racecourse last summer from Boreham Wood and made 30 league appearances during Wrexham's record-breaking campaign, and Parkinson is pleased the 26-year-old has been recognised for his efforts.

"It is a very proud moment for Jacob and his family," Parkinson about Mendy who was born in Gambia but was also eligible to represent Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and Spain.

"He is really pleased with the call-up and he has been doing some extra work to make sure he is ready to do well when he joins the squad.

"It is his first taste of it but just to be part of it is great for Jacob.

"I have spoken to him a couple of times and he is absolutely delighted that he's been selected."

Reds keeper Ben Foster was also on international duty as he helped The Rest Of World XI to a 4-2 victory over England in Sunday’s Soccer Aid charity match at Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground.

Foster, a former England international, played the first half in the game.