Striker Connor Wickham has been withdrawn from the England U16 squad in order to be involved with the first team against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday. If he plays, Wickham will become the club's youngest ever first team player.

The Colchester-based frontman had been due to spend the week with England at the Montaigu Tournament in France, but boss Jim Magilton told the club site that he has recalled him with a view to playing for the first team this weekend: "We called Connor back from England yesterday and he is training with the first team this week.

"I would not have taken him off international duty if he wasn't in my thoughts for the weekend, but we will see how he gets on this week."

The big, powerful striker was born on 31st March 1993, which would make him 16 years and 11 days old next Saturday. Town's current youngest ever first teamer is Jason Dozzell, who made his debut (and scored) against Coventry City on 4th February 1984 when aged 16 years 57 days.

Wickham has won two England U16 caps and scored his first goal in the victory over Scotland in November.

Previously included in the Town first team squad for the FA Cup tie against Chesterfield without making it on to the field, Wickham also won four caps at U17 level last summer at the Nordic Tournament in Denmark in which England annually field an U16 squad despite the competition being for the older age group.

Wickham is in good form at present, having netted a hat-trick for Town's U18s in their 4-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday.

Photo: Action Images

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