McNiven in England squad

David McNiven
By Matt Lawton
May 27 2004

Leigh RMI striker David McNiven has been named in the England National Game XI squad for Thursday's friendly game with Iraq at Macclesfield.

England National Game XI coach Paul Fairclough has made wholesale changes to his squad following the recent Four Nations Tournament in Scotland, which saw England finish third behind new champions Wales.

The game, which is to be played at Macclesfield Town's Moss Rose ground, forms part of Iraq's Goodwill Tour as they prepare for the forthcoming Asian Championships.

Fairclough calls seven uncapped players in to the squad in the form of Canvey Island's John Kennedy and Gavin Cowans, Accrington pair Jon Kennedy and Andy Proctor, Morecambe's Danny Carlton, Ashley Vickers from Dagenham & Redbridge, and Danny Bacon of Conference North newcomers Hucknall Town.

McNiven has been the subject of speculation concerning a possible move to Stevenage Borough, but could now stay at Hilton Park after it was confirmed that RMI would remain in the Conference next season.

The full squad is:

Baker (Hereford), Jon Kennedy (Accrington), Sedgemore (Shrewsbury), Vickers (Dagenham & Redbridge), Perkins (Morecambe), John Kennedy (Canvey Island), Cowans (Canvey Island), Thompson (Morecambe), Southam (Dagenham & Redbridge), Kerr (Scarborough), Sheldon (Exeter), Hatch (Barnet), David McNiven (Leigh RMI), Proctor (Accrington) Bacon (Hucknall Town), Carlton (Morecambe).