Express & Star

Star kid Netan flies the flag

Walsall youngster Netan Sansara today revealed he is winning his fitness battle to become only the second Asian footballer to play for England. Walsall youngster Netan Sansara today revealed he is winning his fitness battle to become only the second Asian footballer to play for England. The 17-year-old Saddlers defender has his chances of playing for his country on March 27 thrown into doubt by two broken bones in his left hand. But the Darlaston-based full-back was due to make his comeback for Walsall's youth team this morning and he is now hopeful he will be available for selection for England's under-18s clash with Holland. Read the full story in the Express & Star

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But the Darlaston-based full-back was due to make his comeback for Walsall's youth team this morning and he is now hopeful he will be available for selection for England's under-18s clash with Holland.

A first cap would make Sansara only the second footballer from an Asian background to represent England at any level.

"I think I will go and meet up with the squad whatever happens, but my hand is getting better and I'm still hoping I'll be able to play," said Sansara, whose call-up came just three months after he was handed his first professional contract.

"I'm able to do everyday things with it now and I'm able to play for the youth team, so all being well I'll be able to play for England once I meet up with the squad.

"When I went to the hospital and they first looked at it they said I would be out for the season, but it has healed more quickly than I thought it would and it feels a lot better now, so I think I have a good chance of being available to play."

Saddlers had feared Sansara would require a metal plate inserted in the hand he damaged in training.

Cardiff's Michael Chopra, whose father is Indian, is the only player with Asian parentage to represent England at any age level.

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