FORMER Deeside Ramblers hockey star turned England goalkeeper James Fair is one step away from reaching the World Cup final.

James, of Pulford, a former King’s School pupil who now plays for Cannock, is to start in goal for England’s semi-final match against Germany today. A win would guarantee at least a silver medal for James and the England team, who are the reigning European champions.

The team comfortably progressed through the group stages by winning four of their five games, including a 3-2 victory against world number two team and group winners Australia.

John Fair, James’ father, is delighted at his son’s progress.

John, a former hockey player turned referee, said: “I have been following the whole tournament in progress, watching all the matches. It’s been excellent so far.

“The highlight, without question, has been when England played Australia and beat them.

“I am chuffed to death with James. I would love to see him and England win the cup. They have done exceedingly well to get this far and it will do wonders for hockey in this country.

“Anything’s possible, with the team having got where they have got to, but from now on anything is a bonus. The target was for them to reach the semi-finals and they have done that, so I’m very pleased.

“I’m looking forward to contacting him after the tournament, but I’m not one who wants to distract him after every game.

“Of course, this is a great lead up to the Commonwealth Games, and for the 2012 Olympics, for the chance to get medals there.”

England’s semi-final match takes place today at 12.35pm GMT and can be watched via the BBC’s red button and on Indian channel Zing (Freesat channel 509, Sky 789).