The Evo-Stik League Northern Premier

Hednesford Town striker Neil Harvey has spoken of his delight at being called up to the Barbados squad to play in the Digicell Caribbean Championship later this month.

The Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division forward has made a strong start to his Hednesford career, scoring three goals in six starts, to earn his latest international recognition. His barnstorming performances and Usain Bolt like 'lightning' goal celebrations have quickly seen him become a fans’ favourite at Keys Park.

Harvey, signed from Marine in preseason, said: "It will be an honour for me to represent my country at the tournament with my parents and sister still living in Barbados so I'm really looking forward to it.

"[Manager]Rob Smith has been very understanding about the call up, which will be the seventh time I've turned out for the teams. Playing in games with thousands of spectators will also be a great buzz."

Harvey's call-up means he'll be absent from The Pitmen's fixtures between September 19 and early October. But with Sean O'Connor, Aaron Rey and Michael Lennon already making impressive starts to the season Harvey is confident the team will cope well without him until his return from the tournament.

"We've got some big games coming up in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy but I know we have the quality in the squad to continue our solid start to the season," insisted the international.

The Pitmen have been drawn away against Midland Combination Premier Division side Nuneaton Griff in the FA Cup's Second Qualifying Round on Saturday September 22. Manager Rob Smith will expect his side to be strong favourites to advance further in the competition after disposing of Redditch United 3-0 in the First Qualifying Round last weekend.

Hednesford's league campaign continues on Saturday when they travel to Chorley, another team with promotion aspirations, looking to avenge a surprise 5-1 thrashing last year and continue their unbeaten start to the season.