Chester FC midfielder Kingsley James has been included in the 16-man England C squad to face Cyprus Under 21s later this month.

Although he has missed the last three games through suspension, James has been one of the standout performers for the Blues this season, scoring two goals in 35 appearances.

He won his first cap for England C in November, scoring in a 4-2 win over Estonia Under 23s at The Shay in Halifax.

James, who moved to the Swansway Chester Stadium from Hereford United over the summer, has retained his place for the friendly at the Ammochotos Stadium on Tuesday, February 17 (1pm).

He will join his club manager Steve Burr, who assists England C boss Paul Fairclough, in the party that will travel to Larnaca.

Team-mates Ben Heneghan and Ryan Higgins have been named in the contingency squad, which confirms the pair are in Fairclough's thoughts for future squads.

James became the club's second England C international after Antoni Sarcevic, who scored in a 6-1 win over Bermuda in 2013.

Full squad

Goalkeepers: Andrew Coughlin (Wrexham), Calum Kitscha (Hayes & Yeading United).

Defenders: Lee Brown (Bristol Rovers), Andy Halls (Macclesfield Town), Tom Parkes (Bristol Rovers), Marc Roberts (FC Halifax Town), James Bolton (FC Halifax Town).

Midfielders: Paul Lewis (Macclesfield Town), Elliott Frear (Forest Green Rovers), Josh Payne (Woking), Kingsley James (Chester FC), Matthew Pearson (FC Halifax Town), Andy Yiadom (Barnet).

Strikers: Jordan Burrow (Lincoln City), James Norwood (Forest Green Rovers), Stefan Payne (Dover Athletic).