READING City hot-shot Mitchell Parker has been named in an England FA squad for an ambassadorial visit to the Falkland Islands next month.

As the squad mainly comprises players from Step 4 clubs, he will be stepping up a level, but is more than capable of doing so.

In eight Hellenic League games, he has netted 13 goals, with four coming in the game at Binfield last month.

“He thoroughly deserves this recognition,” said City joint manager Andy Findlay.

“Mitch is a player of undoubted talent at this level of the game.

“He is a player Rob (Creech) and I hold in very high regard. He is a player we enjoy very much working with.”

Also off the Falklands for a week on November 7 is striker Liam Ferdinand, who lives in Reading and plays for Bracknell Town.

Ferdinand said his selection came as “a bit of a shock”, adding: “Obviously, I am very happy. I didn’t expect to get the opportunity or get to experience a game like this.

“It shows at whatever level you are playing at, it is good if you are performing well you can get opportunities like this. Hopefully, I can go there and perform well.”

Ferdinand marked his call-up last Saturday by scoring a late equaliser to earn Bracknell a 1-1 draw with Bedfont Sports at Larges Lane, the first point the Robins have dropped in the Bostik League this season.

Another date in Ferdinand’s diary is Tuesday, October 30 when Bracknell host Reading in the second round of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup.

Royals are expected to rely mainly on their Under-23 squad for the visit to Larges Lane.

It’s good to see Royals back in the Senior Cup.

The competition lost some of its prestige a few years ago, but has now been restored to its former glory with the likes of Reading, Milton Keynes Dons, Maidenhead United, Slough, Hungerford, Aylesbury United, Marlow and Bracknell all taking part this season.

Still at Larges Lane, a number of Sky Sports presenters will be there this coming Sunday (2pm) to play in a charity match against the AFA charity team who could include a number of celebrities, including Tubes from SoccerAM.