York City 'keeper Russ Howarth may still be kicking his heels on the sidelines as number one choice Alan Fettis maintains his blistering form of last season, but the 19-year-old must have been buoyed by the news this week that his counterpart at Chelsea, Rhys Evans, had been called up to the England Under-21 squad.

Last season Evans and Howarth were battling it out for the England Under-18 goalkeeping job and look set to renew their rivalry when England Under-19s take on Iceland in a friendly on October 1.

Following Manchester City custodian Nicky Weaver's withdrawal through injury, Evans got a surprise call from England Under-21 chief David Platt to step into the breach for last night's game with Germany.

It may be only scant consolation to Howarth, but it should prove just how highly he must be rated by the England hierarchy.

Had Evans not been fit, it seems probable Howarth, next in the pecking order, would have got the nod to join the Under-21s and from there he is just one step away from the senior squad. Not bad for a youngster with just ten senior appearances behind him.

FORMER York City winger Graeme Murty put years of injury troubles behind him this week when he put pen to paper on a new four-year deal with Second Division Reading.

That is good news for City, who stand to pocket a hefty sum should Reading win promotion with Murty still contracted to the Madejski Stadium.

When City sold Murty to Reading three years ago for £700,000, the deal included a bonus payment of £50,000 should the Royals make it into Division One.