BARNET manager Paul Fairclough revealed that York City youngsters David Stockdale and Andy Bishop had done their chances of representing England's National Game XI side next month no harm at all despite Saturday's 4-0 defeat.

Stockdale prevented the Minstermen from suffering a heavier loss with two excellent late saves and, while Bishop was less impressive at the other end of the pitch, he too caught the eye of Fairclough, who is also in charge of the Under-23 non-League representative team.

The City duo are expected to learn this week whether they have made the final 16-man squad that will travel to Italy to face a Serie 'C' select side on Wednesday, November 10 and, after Saturday's match, Fairclough said: "David had a very good game. There's no doubt about that.

"He made some point-blank saves and I feel, had it not been for him, the scoreline could have been six or seven. He has not done his chances of going to Italy any harm.

"I think Bishop up front showed, more so in the second half, that he's got quality and he can also be quite pleased with his performance. I think he led the line quite well and looked more comfortable alongside Lev Yalcin. They looked more of a threat in the second half."

Updated: 10:29 Monday, October 25, 2004