A PATRIOTIC animal lover has realised he has a couple of fearsome wingers in his World Cup squad – who really are good in the air.

Trevor Hill, aged 44, who runs a falconry and animal sanctuary in Bromyard Road, Tenbury Wells, noticed his two vultures displaying predatory poaching skills after setting up a mini goal in the back garden.

Since they first took to the pitch three weeks ago, Mr Hill has seen their performance soar after teaching nine-year-old female vulture Winnie to stay in goal while partner Ron, seven, dribbles goalwards.

Mr Hill had originally set up the small metal-framed football net in his back garden for sons Stephen, 14, and Chris, nine.

But his two boys were left in a flap after being ousted from their summer kickabouts by the two African Whitebacked vultures.

Mr Hill said: “I had taken Winnie and Ron outside to let them fly around, but once they’d stretched their wings they just settled on the grass – and made straight for the football. They must’ve both thought it was food at first but they started prodding it between them.

“It was a pretty unusual sight to say the least, because you normally only ever see animals playing football – or any sports – in cartoons or films.

“The ball ended up trickling towards the small metal goal I’d set up in the corner of the garden and they’ve seemed to enjoy prodding it around ever since.

“I’m not sure whether they intended to poke it goalwards straight away, but they’ve both got a predatory touch in front of goal, that’s for sure.”

With the World Cup just a matter of days away, delighted Mr Hill said he was glad to have an alternative form of entertainment – just in case England should be sent crashing out at the group stage of the tournament.

He said: “You see dogs, and sometimes cats, roll a football around – but my front two would definitely strike fear into most defenders.

“I’ll be glued to the TV when England are on just like everyone else, but it’ll make a funny sideshow to see Winnie and Ron trying their best to emulate Rooney and the rest.”