England kid Crellin is backed to shine by Fleetwood boss Rosler

Fleetwood Town v Queen of the South. Billy Crellin.

The 17-year-old has become the first Town player to be called up to an England squad.

He is named in Steve Cooper’s squad for the games against Brazil on Friday September 1 and South Africa three days later.

Crellin, who is Fleetwood born and bred, has made a string of impressive displays for Town’s development squad and Under-18s.

The youngster might not yet have usurped Chris Neal from the bench but is involved in Town’s first team pre-match warm-ups.

And Rosler says he is pleased with how he has gelled with experienced duo Neal and number one Alex Cairns but says there is still more learning to be done.

He said: “I feel very happy for Billy because Billy deserves it.

“Billy has a very good mentality for a young player.

“He is not fazed by anything, he is brave, he is fearless, he has a personality; even for a young age he has charisma and I think that is what you need to be a good goalkeeper because it is a very difficult position because the mistakes you make will always be highlighted.

“You have to be mentally very strong and have a personality to deal with that.

“All those things are in place with Billy, he needs a lot of coaching but I think he is in very good hands with goalkeeping coach David Lucas and I’m very happy that they are working so well as a trio with the two experienced players around Billy and he is very willing to learn.

“He picks up good habits from our two experienced keepers and he is willing to take advice on board.”

Last season Crellin became the first player from the club’s new category three academy to sign a professional contract.

Club chairman Andy Pilley attached particular significance to Crellin’s homegrown status in terms of his England call-up.

He said: “It’s a proud day for everyone at Fleetwood Town to have one of our young players called-up for England.

“Billy is a Fleetwood lad. It is extra special for us all to have one of our own showing such promise and potential.

“The call-up is just the start for Billy. Hopefully he can work hard and continue to develop. I look forward to him one day making his debut in our first team.

“It’s another milestone for Fleetwood Town and hopefully Billy is the first of many we produce who goes on to be recognised in this way.”