Wrexham defender, Jacob Mendy has now received a call-up by Gambia ahead of the African Cup of Nations which kicks off in the coming week.
Wrexham have been without Jacob Mendy for some time now as he joined up with Gambia for their training camp.
The wingback has been a miss but luckily it hasn’t hampered the Reds’ form in recent weeks with Anthony Forde stepping in.
This has seen Phil Parkinson’s side maintain their great start to the season which now sees them sitting in third in League Two.
In recent days a win over Shrewsbury Town has been celebrated, as has an FA Cup fourth round draw against Blackburn Rovers.
There was a chance that Mendy wouldn’t be called up for the national side, but it has now been confirmed he has.
Jacob Mendy called up to AFCON
Since joining Wrexham from Boreham Wood, he has played a role as the Reds have been promoted and done well in the EFL.
This has seen him receive his first call-up to the Gambia national team for an international break. Now he has been called up for the crowning tournament of African football.
Discussing his call-up with the Wrexham official website, he said: “It is a very proud moment for me. It has always been a dream that I can represent my country and to be selected is an honour.”
As anyone can imagine, being called up for your country at any time would be great, never mind for a tournament.
This sees Mendy becomes only the second-ever Wrexham player to represent the Club at an international tournament. The second to Dennis Lawrence who featured for Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 World Cup.
This will leave a gap in Parkinson’s squad and provides the opportunity for other players to make their mark. Discussing Mendy and his call-up, his manager was clearly happy for him.
On that, he said: “We’re all pleased for Jacob, it’s a good opportunity for him and he is very proud to represent his country.
“We wish him all the best and will be watching him closely during the tournament.”
Coming into the tournament, his side open up against Senegal before playing Guinea and Cameroon in their group. This is a tough group which hopefully won’t see him knocked out and return to Wrexham too soon.
With that being said, it is still a great achievement and everyone associated with the club can be proud. Here’s to hoping his spell at AFCON can last and he goes on deep in the competition.