Doncaster Rovers: Josef Bursik to make England U21 debut

Doncaster Rovers loanee Josef Bursik will make his England U21 debut on Tuesday evening, manager Aidy Boothroyd has confirmed.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The goalkeeper - on loan from Stoke City - has been part of the last three U21 squads and will win his first cap in the clash with Albania at Molineux.

Sheffield United keeper Aaron Ramsdale has been Boothroyd’s first choice for the number one slot and has been informed he will continue to be so.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But Boothroyd feels it is wise to rest Ramsdale, who is enduring a tough time at club level with United bottom of the Premier League.

Josef BursikJosef Bursik
Josef Bursik

He said: “Joe is going to start he game but I spoke to Aaron at length and let me be clear he is on our No 1, on and off the pitch. He is a brilliant guy to have around.

“He has had a bit of a tough time at the minute but I’m sure him and his club will turn the corner.”

Bursik is highly-rated at club and international level, but is not as experienced as Ramsdale, who the Blades paid Bournemouth £18.5million for this summer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His first U21 cap will come in the European Championship qualifier against Albania with England having already secured qualification for the tournament in Hungary and Slovenia.

Bursik has made 11 appearances for Rovers since joining on loan in the summer.

Meanwhile Danny Amos is set to make his final appearance for Northern Ireland U21s against Ukraine on Tuesday.

Liam Ravenhill could make his debut in the game. Northern Ireland are unable to qualify for the tournament.

*

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.