ASSURED Accrington Stanley captain Peter Cavanagh is ready to make his England National XI bow.

But while the 22-year-old fullback is determined to do well for his country, he's keeping his fingers crossed that it won't be at the expense of his FA Cup first round bow on Saturday.

Cavanagh found out on Saturday night that he had been selected for England's semi-professional side to take on Belgium under 20s at Darlington's Reynolds Arena tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

"It was a very nice and pleasant surprise," he said.

"I was at home on Saturday night when I got a phonecall from John Coleman saying I had to drop everything and get ready to meet up with the squad.

"We've had a couple of good training sessions and they're a nice bunch of lads.

"I don't know if I'll definitely be playing or not but we did some shape work in training and I was involved in that, and one of the other lads in my position has gone home injured so I'm optimistic."

He added: "I'll be giving my best for my country if I play and, all being well, I'll be doing the same for my club in the cup on Sunday."

Cavanagh missed Saturday's draw at Gravesend and Northfleet through a one-match ban after he picked up two yellow cards in the 2-1 defeat at home to Exeter City.

But the Stanley skipper didn't have a wasted afternoon as manager Coleman sent him on a scouting mission to Glanford Park, where he witnessed Sunday's first round opponents Huddersfield thrashed 6-2 by Scunthorpe.

And Cavanagh has sent a detailed report on Town back to the Reds boss.

"If they play like that on Sunday then I would fancy our chances," he said.

But the defender knows it will be important that key players shake off injuries and illnesses in time for the showdown at the Interlink Express Stadium (kick-off 1pm).

Paul Mullin (calf) and Justin Jackson (flu) missed the trip to Stonebridge Road, while Paul Cook was substituted after picking up a knock.

Cavanagh, who himself is suffering from his second cold in three weeks, said: "We've been lucky with injuries so far, we haven't really had anything to trouble us.

"Some of the lads have been struggling in the last couple of weeks but hopefully they will have time to get right for the weekend."

Stanley have sold around 3,000 tickets for Sunday's FA Cup clash.

The remaining tickets will be on sale throughout the week priced £6, £10 and £12.