WORCESTER City goalkeeper Danny McDonnell has been rewarded for another outstanding season by earning an England call-up.

The 31-year-old has been selected to play for the National Game XI in the end of season Four Nations Tournament in Scotland next month.

It represents a tremendous achievement for McDonnell, who has beaten off competition from a string of Conference players to earn a slot alongside Hereford United's Matt Baker as one of the two keepers.

Baker is joined by team-mates Michael Rose and Steve Guinan, while Rob Purdie and Andy Tretton are on stand-by.

England manager Paul Fairclough named his squad at the weekend but McDonnell only found out when he received a call at work yesterday morning from his father.

McDonnell, who has missed City's last two matches with food poisoning which has seen him lose a stone-and-a-half in weight, admits his selection was a bolt out of the blue.

"I didn't know anything about it until my dad phoned me," said McDonnell.

"I'm shocked more than anything because I didn't expect this at all. It's a massive honour to play for my country but it hasn't really sunk in yet.

"It's a great chance to train and play with some quality people and I'll give it my best shot."

"There are a lot of good goalkeepers in the Confernce and to be picked ahead of some of those is very flattering," he added.

"I've had a more consistent season than last year. I think, without putting the kybosh on things, that as I'm getting older the more my game seems to be improving.

"Keepers do tend to get better with age. I'm only 31 but I'm finding the experience I have gained over the years is helping me."

McDonnell is hoping to return for tomorrow's Worcesteshire Senior Cup tie at Sutton Coldfield Town.

Meanwhile Dan Parker is set to return to St George's Lane after completing his month's loan at Evesham United.

With Paul Carty (knee) and Allan Davies (wrist) not expected to play tomorrow, Parker is set to go straight into the squad.