ENGLAND’S netminding duties are in safe hands after Basingstoke’s Connor Standing was recently selected to play for the under-15 side this season.

The 14-year-old from Brighton Hill, recently attended a couple of trials and saw off competition from 11 other goalies to make the national team.

The Everest Community College student will make his England debut in an international tournament at Lake Como, in Italy, just after Christmas and will then travel to either Riga, in Latvia, or Germany next Easter.

The Basingstoke-born goalie started playing at the age of eight and last season was part of under-14 Bison team that won the national championship with Standing playing a big part between the pipes.

Talking about his England call-up, the teenager said: “I couldn’t believe it when I got the letter, but I am really looking forward to playing for my country.

“So far the most memorable moment for me was winning the nationals when everyone went crazy.”

Standing’s netminding hero is Canadian legend Martin Brodeur, rated as one of the best goalies every to play the game.

He said: “I like his playing style and the way he comes out of goal and shoots the puck. I like to do that.”

Looking to the future, the young shot stopper would like one day to try his luck in North America, but, for now, England is calling, where he will join Basingstoke team mates Jake Florey, Jesse Lye and Cameron Wynn in the line-up.

All four Bison players are looking for sponsorship for their trips abroad and anyone interested in helping these young stars out can do so by contacting the under-16s Bison manager Jo Florey on 07951 435649.