Homegrown keeper Crellin writes his name into Fleetwood Town's history books with England debut

Crellin, 17, made his debut for the Steve Cooper’s England Under-18s tonight in their 2-1 defeat to South Africa at non-league side Leek Town’s Harrison Park ground.

Crellin, who is Fleetwood born and bred, has made a string of impressive displays for Town’s Development Squad and Under-18s but had to wait to make his debut after watching from the sidelines as Cooper’s side drew 0-0 with Brazil on Friday.

Last season he became the first player from the club’s new Academy to sign a professional contract with the Cod Army but he is still waiting to make his first team debut for the League One side.

And speaking on the historic call-up before his debut chairman Andy Pilley hopes Crellin is the first of many.

He said: “It’s a proud day for everyone at Fleetwood Town to have one of our young players called-up for England.

“Billy is a Fleetwood lad. It is extra special for us all to have one of our own showing such promise and potential.

“The call-up is just the start for Billy. Hopefully he can work hard and continue to develop. I look forward to him one day making his debut in our first team.

“It’s another milestone for Fleetwood Town and hopefully Billy is the first of many we produce who goes on to be recognised in this way.

Crellin was not the only Town youngster in international action tonight as winger Dan Mooney, who penned professional terms at the same time as Crellin and is currently on-loan at NPL First Division North side Bamber Bridge started for the Wales U19 side in their 1-0 defeat to Iceland.