Dismayed striker Richard Cresswell has been lifted by an international rescue.

York City's 19-goal marksman today retained his place in the England Under-21 squad for whom he made his historic debut in a 2-1 friendly win against France last month.

Cresswell is the only Nationwide Division Two player in the 25-strong squad for the European championship qualifier against Poland at Southampton's The Dell on Friday, March 26. Two days later Cresswell is due to be back on City duty after a nation-length dash to spearhead York's attack in the vital relegation six-pointer against Lincoln City.

The City star's inclusion was welcomed as a morale-booster after one of the most miserable weeks of his career.

Cresswell confessed to being saddened by the sacking of City boss Alan Little.

"I've been down all this week because whatever anyone has said about Alan Little, the gaffer believed in me from the start," said the 21-year-old.

"When I went through bad times he stuck by me and I have to thank him for that. Other managers might have pushed me to the side, but the 'gaffer' kept me in. He was good to me."

Cresswell also admitted to being 'stunned' when the Evening Press revealed to him his second England call-up. "It's great news. I didn't think I would have a chance with the team not doing so well and my own form being average. We've all needed a bit of a lift and this will do my confidence a world of good."

Another boost for Cresswell is the inclusion, as for the France game, of his former City team-mates Jonathan Greening and Darren Williams. England under-21 coach Peter Taylor has also restored several former squad members to the party for the Friday night clash.

Leicester City's £5million-rated striker Emile Heskey is back from injury, as is Wimbledon's Jason Euell and Ipswich star Richard Wright, who trained with the senior squad for the last two matches against the Czech Republic - when he was on the substitutes' bench - and France.

Kevin Keegan was due to be naming his first England squad later today for the crucial European Championship match again Poland at Wembley on March 27.

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