CONCORD Rangers midfielder Alex Woodyard says it would be “a real shame” if the England C team was disbanded under new FA cuts, after he helped them to a 2-1 win against the Republic of Ireland under-21s.

The 22-year-old played 90 minutes on his second appearance for the non-league Three Lions as they impressively beat some of Ireland’s finest youngsters in Galway last Monday.

However, it could yet be Paul Fairclough’s team’s final match with the FA looking to potentially slash the funding for the team to supplement FA chairman Greg Dyke’s commission to support grass-roots football.

And Woodyard said he hopes last week’s win was not the final chance he got to pull on the England national jersey.

“It was brilliant and really nice to get a win,” he said. “The weather was absolutely terrible from the moment we arrived in Ireland. We had a few days training before the game but the group gelled well and the manager was impressed.

“I hadn’t played a match for about five or six weeks and in that sense it was quite difficult at first when you are put into a match situation. But we were able to run on adrenaline and I think I got through the match on that.

“The management team didn’t say much about cutting the team, but I heard a few of the boys mention it,” he added. “It would be a real shame if the FA cut the team as it gives players like me a chance that would otherwise be impossible. It is a real achievement pulling on that shirt.”

Although it was only the second time Woodyard had played for his country, he said he already feels a fully-fledged member of the group with seven new faces selected for the Ireland game.

And the former Southend United youngster said he feels able to raise his game playing at the higher level.

“It was strange as, although I have only been involved once before, I was one of the senior players with so many new lads in the squad. I was on the outskirts before but I really felt a part of the team now.

“A lot of these boys are full-time players and it does help your game. They are a bit sharper than we are at Concord as this is their job, which is understandable.

“It is great for me as I can play and you do get that extra 10 per cent that can make you a better player.”

Woodyard, named supporters’ player of the year at Concord last season, is yet to commit his future to the club under new manager Adam Flanagan.

And he says he is keeping his options open as he prepares to go on holiday.

“Concord brought back my love for the game and I love that. I am still young and I am ambitious and playing for England C won’t do my chances of becoming a professional any harm.

“But I owe Concord so much.”