Ben Killip's candid Hartlepool United admission as he receives England C call-up

The England C international had been ‘taken out of the spotlight’ according to Dave Challinor following the 2-2 draw at home to Barrow in what was Pools’ final match of 2019.

Non-contract goalkeeper Mitchell Beeney played the seven games that followed before Killip was handed another opportunity.

Killip’s form has improved since winning back his place and he kept the score level at Boreham Wood on Saturday with a second-half penalty save to deny Sorba Thomas and ensure Pools kept their hunt for a play-off spot intact.

Killip, reflecting on his spell out the side, said: “It’s rubbish, everyone wants to play and when you’re in the stands or on the bench it’s terrible and you don’t enjoy it.

“You want the team to do well but personally you’re desperate to get back in, I worked hard and got my head down and tried to get back into the team and it’s happened.

“Now I’ve got two clean sheets and a penalty save so quite happy to continue working and playing.”

The goalkeeper was celebrating this weekend after receiving a call-up to the England C squad for the game against Wales C later this month.

A Pools statement read: “The Pools keeper will be in the travelling party when the Three Lions’ C squad take on their Welsh counterparts at Caernarfon Town on Tuesday 24th March.

“Killip has been a regular in the squad in recent seasons and will hope to gain another cap when Paul Fairclough’s men return to action for their latest friendly.

“The news caps a good weekend for the 24-year-old, who saved a penalty during Pools’ 1-1 draw against Boreham Wood at Meadow Park on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, Killip’s Pools teammate Josh Hawkes has also been placed on the England C standby list.

Hawkes could be called-up if any players are forced to drop out of the squad.