BASILDON United chairman Lee Connor believes Oli Spooner and Connor Wheatley’s international call-ups emphasise the progress being made at the club.

Spooner and Wheatley will travel with the England C squad for the FA’s ambassadorial visit to the Falkland Islands next month.

And Connor confirmed boss Marc Harrison deserves a lot of credit.

“We were quite surprised when we got the email confirming Oli and Connor’s selection because it came out of the blue,” he said.

“It shows we are taking the club forward on and off the pitch.

“Credit has to go to Marc and his assistant manager Liam Wallace for the way they coach the boys.

“Oli was with Marc at Tilbury under-16s and then he came with Marc and Liam from Basildon Town.

“It shows the quality we have at Basildon and that Marc gives the young boys a chance.”

And Harrison was also full of praise for Spooner and Wheatley.

The Bees boss said: “There are some things in life that happen and are excellent.

“This is one of those moments and the two of them being called up is brilliant.

“It has made me a very proud manager.”