YOUNG Town hopeful Alex Smithies, who left yesterday to join the England U17s before a trip to Iceland, can expect some surprise support from the locals.

Keeper Smithies, from Golcar, is in the squad for the Nordic Tournament next week with games against Finland, Faroe Islands and Sweden.

Normally, the England players would not expect much backing from the host country, but courtesy of Grant Smith from Meltham-based company Veritas Special Glass, 15-year-old Smithies will get an extra cheer.

Veritas have business links in Iceland and have made contact to let them know of Smithies' involvement.

"I was intrigued to read about the tournament in Iceland, where I have business interests," said Mr Smith.

"I passed on a cutting of the Examiner article to my colleagues there, so Alex shouldn't be surprised if he gets greetings from Huddersfield via the locals in Kopavogur next Wednesday!

"It's good to see a Golcar Lily making his mark."

The extra support will help Smithies play to the best of his ability should he be selected against the Faroe Islands in that match.

The previous day, England open their itinerary against Finland in Reykjavik, while they round off the group section against Sweden in Akranes next Friday.

The play-offs and final are a week on Sunday.

The squad fly out in 48 hours for what is a first international call-up for the Colne Valley High student, who will receive specialist coaching from former England great Ray Clemence.