England C call-up delight for Harrogate Town goalkeeper Peter Crook

Harrogate Town goalkeeper Peter Crook has been rewarded for his clean sheets streak with a call-up to the England C squad.
Peter CrookPeter Crook
Peter Crook

The England C side is a national squad drawn from non league players in the National Leagues and below.

Crook is the only National League North player to feature in Paul Fairclough's squad, which will face Ukraine in Kiev on March 22.

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The Town stopper will challenge Ebbsfleet goalkeeper Brandon Hall for a starting place. Hall has already been capped at England C level an

Crook told the Harrogate Advertiser: "At any level, to play for England is a dream come true. It's amazing.

"I am guessing they have not really chosen the first choice keeper. The other keeper has already had a cap so he might be but I'll definitely be fighting for the spot."

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Crook has been a mainstay between the sticks for Town since taking over the gloves from Phil Barnes midway through last season.

Crook has kept four clean sheets in a row for Harrogate TownCrook has kept four clean sheets in a row for Harrogate Town
Crook has kept four clean sheets in a row for Harrogate Town

He turned down a chance to study in the United States to remain at Town in the summer and has produced a number of fine performances in the club's promotion challenge.

Town currently sit second in the National League North table with a nine point gap to Solihull Moors

Crook said: "I was speaking to my parents about the States the other day and wondering what life would have been like if I had gone. But I think I made the right decision. The England call-up proves it."

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Crook last conceded a goal more than 400 minutes of competitive action ago, when Richard Brodie scored for Stockport County.

Crook has kept four clean sheets in a row for Harrogate TownCrook has kept four clean sheets in a row for Harrogate Town
Crook has kept four clean sheets in a row for Harrogate Town

In that time, Town have beaten FC United of Manchester 5-0, North Ferriby United and Stalybridge (both 1-0) and played out a goalless draw with Gloucester City.

Crook said: "A few of the lads were saying that England scouts were there at a few games but I didn't take it as a sign that they were watching me. You just have to carry on with what you're doing.

"We've had four clean sheets in a row but it's not all been about me. It's the guys in front that have defended really well and we've scored as well which has made it better. We need to carry on performing like that."

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In December, Simon Weaver hailed the shot-stopper's ability and said he could “play levels above”.

“He has all the talent in the world,” said the boss.

“He can go on and play a few levels up.'¨“He has the physical ingredients and he has the hunger as well.

“He is one of the few young goalkeepers of the modern breed that comes out and claims crosses. Most of them are just good shot stoppers.”

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