SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has heaped praise on striker Myles Weston and goalkeeper Ted Smith after they both represented their countries.

Smith played the final 14 minutes for England’s under 19 side in their 3-0 win against Italy at Rotherham United’s New York Stadium on Friday night, while Weston lined up twice for Antigua.

The striker scored in Antigua’s 2-2 draw with Haiti in the Caribbean Cup before also playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-0 defeat to Jamaica.

And Brown believes the call-ups are a huge achievement for the Shrimpers.

“It’s fantastic for us as a football club,” said Brown.

“Ted got 20 minutes for England’s under 19s and for us as a League Two club I think that’s amazing.

“Myles was involved in a 3-0 defeat but he scored in his first game which is great.

“He will be back on Tuesday and will be coming back to a winning team.

“We now have internationals who could be on the bench and that’s fantastic competition to have.”