CANVEY Island boss Mark Bentley has hailed Lamar Johnson after the goalkeeper received his first international call-up.

Johnson is in contention to be involved in St Lucia’s CONCACAF Nations League meetings with the Dominican Republic and Montserrat over the course of the next six days.

And Bentley believes the goalkeeper, who joined the Gulls in the summer, is fully deserving of his international recognition.

“Lamz has been in great form and we are buzzing that he has got his international call-up,” said Bentley.

“Although the timing is not great for us because of the games he is missing, it is a fantastic achievement and proud moment for him.

“Everyone at the club is wishing him all the best while on international duty and it would be great if he came back having made his St Lucia debut.”

Johnson, who will miss the Gulls’ derbies with Great Wakering Rovers and Basildon United, joined Canvey during the close season.

And, having previously worked with Johnson at Grays Athletic, Bentley feels he gets the best out of the shot-stopper.

He added: “Lamz has come in and he is a character at this level but he is a really good goalkeeper.

“I’m lucky to have him at the club and, although some managers wouldn’t take him on because he has been a bit of a hothead at times in the past, I worked with him at Grays Athletic and I know how to work with him.

“We have a mutual respect for each other and I manage him in the correct way.”