TWO Billericay Town defenders are on the cusp of unlikely international recognition.

Joe Ellul and Elliot Kebbie have been contacted by the Maltese and Sierra Leonean FAs about representing the two nations.

Both defenders are eligible on account of their heritage - with Ellul’s grandfather hailing from Malta and Kebbie’s grandparents from Sierra Leone.

Kebbie says he is all but assured a shot after Sierra Leone head coach John Keister got in touch earlier this week.

And the 23-year-old is hugely excited at the prospect.

“It is pretty much nailed on,” said Kebbie, who is yet to visit the country. “I spoke to their head coach this week and he wants me to play in a friendly before Christmas, ahead of next year’s African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“I have been speaking to them for a few months - back when I was playing in the Norwegian Premier League for Sandefjord.

“The team was undergoing a period of transition back then so maybe it was not the best time to be involved but I have waited and would love to play a part.

“I think the head coach is looking to bring in some younger players so to help them try and reach the African Cup of Nations would be brilliant - for myself and the country.”

Ellul, 28, rejoined Town from East Thurrock United in January, and has become a key figure in the home defence.

But he admits he was shocked to get a call from a Maltese reporter asking about his eligibility.

“I got a message from a journalist in Malta asking if I had any Maltese heritage and I said yes, my grandad,” said Ellul. “He got in touch with the Maltese FA and then it went quiet for a while.

“More recently someone got in touch wanting some highlights of my performances and the club sorted that out.

“I never met my grandad but I am in contact with that side of the family and it would be brilliant to be selected.

“It is not the sort of thing you think about when you’re playing non-league football but it would be a massive bonus.

“That said, I can’t control it so I just need to play well for Billericay and keep doing what I am doing.

“I think Elliot was as surprised as I was but it is nice we are able to be in this position together.”

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TOWN CHIEF'S EUPHORIA AT DUO'S RECOGNITION

BILLERICAY Town manager Glenn Tamplin has expressed his delight after hearing two of his players were being scouted by international teams.

Defender Joe Ellul has been contacted by the Maltese FA, while recent addition Elliot Kebbie is in contention for a Sierra Leone call-up.

Both have become fixtures in the Billericay back line, and Tamplin said he was really pleased for the pair, while admitting he was slightly surprised as well.

“It is great news as Joe and Elliot are great lads and work hard,” said the Town chief.

“It is not so much a surprise for Joe as he has been playing very well recently.

“Elliot hasn’t had much game time lately so maybe that one is slightly more of a surprise but he has done very well since coming into the team.

“Regardless, I am delighted for both of them.”

Ellul has played for East Thurrock United and Enfield Town at step seven, while Kebbie featured for Atletico Madrid’s C team and Hull City before playing last season in Norway.

And Tamplin hopes the pair get the call-ups he feels their performances deserve.

“They have the right attitude and it is great exposure for the club,” he said. “It says a lot that Elliot’s performances have been picked up while playing for Billericay!”