IAN Craney has backed wing wizard Gary Roberts to be an international star.

The 21-year-old was selected for Paul Fairclough's England National Game XI initial squad but failed to make the final 16.

However, Craney, who earned his fifth cap in their 2-0 win over Belgium last week, believes it is only a matter of time before Roberts gets his chance.

"Gary is bound to get noticed soon, especially with the way he played on Sky the other weekend at Grays. He was like a breath of fresh air," said Craney.

Roberts' featured on Saturday's Soccer am 'Showboat' slot, for the moment of skill which led to Paul Mullin's opener in the 2-1 win at the Recreation Ground, just hours after he finished well for Stanley's first goal in the 2-0 win over Forest Green Rovers the night before.

"He knows what he has to do and he will work hard," Craney added. "He just has to keep his consistency up."

Meanwhile, Craney was delighted with his own performance for England last week.

The 23-year-old played the full 90 minutes at the Stade Justin Peeters in Wavre and was handed the captain's armband when skipper David Perkins was substituted late in the second half.

"I was only captain for about eight minutes, but that doesn't matter," said Craney, who skippered the Stanley side in the LDV Vans Trophy game at Rotherham and FA Cup fourth qualifying round game at home to Worcester City last month, in the absence of Peter Cavanagh and vice captain Paul Mullin.

"It was a great win for us last week, especially as we were expecting a harder game, and I came back to Accrington with an extra spring in my step."