ENGLAND C manager Paul Fairclough is certain Southend United wing-back Gus Scott-Morriss has all the attributes needed to become a force in the Football League.

Fairclough has selected Scott-Morriss in the starting line-up both this season and last against Wales C.

And the former Barnet boss has been incredibly impressed by the Shrimpers star on and off the pitch.

“He’s a very good footballer and person who is very passionate about England C,” said Fairclough.

“He showed real leadership qualities too and he would make a good captain.

“He’d volunteer for a lot of difficult tasks and would speak in front of the group in terms of tactics we were trying too.

“He was a good fit for us and the way we wanted to play.”

Scott-Morriss was called up after performing well for the Shrimpers.

And Fairclough feels the 26-year-old has the talent to play higher.

“He’s served his time in non-league and he is a player who could easily step up in the League Two,” said Fairclough.

“Once established there I also think he could go further up the pyramid too.”

Scott-Morriss has now made 76 appearances for Blues since signing from Hemel Hempstead Town in the summer of 2022.

But he was unable to stop England C suffering a 1-0 defeat against Wales earlier this month.

A free-kick from Sion Bradley on the stroke of half-time saw the hosts come out on top.

And Fairclough admitted. his selection policy could have hindered his side’s chances of success.

“I put us at a disadvantage by taking just one player per club but I was respectful towards the league,” said Fairclough.

“Around 11 teams can still go down and 11 can still go up so the game came at a difficult time.

“Wales had a few more sessions together and we told the lads to expect a war.

“They play to their strengths and we knew what to expect.

“But at the end of the game we were still passing and we nearly equalised with the last kick of the game.”

England C, which is made up of the best players from the non-league game, will now turn their attentions towards facing Nepal at Aldershot Town’s EBB Stadium at the start of May.

And Fairclough hinted those in the last squad look likely to receive another call up if available.

“We have Nepal coming up and lots of players put themselves forward to be picked again,” added Fairclough.