With most of his Academy team mates enjoying a summer break, Under-18s skipper Ciaran Clark is already preparing himself for an early return to action.

The central defender has been urged to keep himself fit and ready for next month's European Under-19s Championships.

And that means keeping his fitness ticking over ahead of the competition, which starts on July 14.

England, who progressed from the Elite Qualifying stages last month, face Italy, Greece and the Czech Republic in the first round group stage.

And Head Coach Brian Eastick is hoping that those hoping to be involved can keep themselves fit and sharp.

He said: "The timing of the tournament does worry me. It starts on 14 July and most of the players will only have been back in pre-season training with their clubs for a few days by then.

"So the players need to be professional and conscientious of that and make sure that they are in a good condition for the tournament.

"If we aren't in the right physical condition, then it will be even harder work for us in the competition.

"We will be contacting the players and asking them to try and get some work done before then, to make sure they are in the right condition for the Finals."