The 51-year-old discussed the pride he felt after he watched his son play for England C in March and is delighted to see Josh Koroma called-up too

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient youngster Josh Koroma celebrates his goal at Gateshead with Marvin Ekpiteta (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient youngster Josh Koroma celebrates his goal at Gateshead with Marvin Ekpiteta (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

Martin Ling is very proud of the fact two Leyton Orient players will represent their country this weekend when England C face a Republic of Ireland Amateurs team.

Sam Ling and Josh Koroma have earned call-ups to Paul Fairclough’s squad and both could start Sunday’s match at Whitehall Stadium in Dublin (2.15pm kick-off).

Ling played for England C during their 3-2 win over a Wales C side in March and could make his second start for his country, but this would be Koroma’s first outing.

Orient’s director of football Ling, the father of Sam, said: “To represent England at any level of any sport is a great achievement.

“I know you can say it is the best of the rest, so the best of non-league, but you would rather be the best of the rest than not.

“I saw Sam play in Wales and it was a very surreal and privileged moment for me and I didn’t realise how privileged I would feel seeing Sam walk out in an England shirt.

“I can’t be in Dublin because I have a game here with Errol (McKellar), but I am sure Josh Koroma’s family will feel the same as I did. They will be proud and everyone at Leyton Orient will be proud of Josh because he has done really well this season.

“I’ll be honest with Josh, it took him a little bit of time to get into his psyche because he was a bit quieter than the rest, but Justin (Edinburgh) has really got the best out of him, so I’ll be really proud of the pair of them this Sunday.”

As Ling mentioned, he will not be in Dublin as he is taking part in a charity game at Brisbane Road in aid of Prostate Cancer UK and East Hertfordshire Mind Network.

Ling is managing a team of London Legends against McKellar’s Celebrity XI with the game starting at 3pm at Leyton Orient’s stadium.

After being involved in the fundraising event in 2015, Ling said: “It is two charities and one which is Prostate Cancer UK, which is very close to Errol’s heart obviously, and the East Hertfordshire Mind Network, which is a charity very close to me because they were there when I needed them the most.

“I’m looking forward to it and hopefully we get a good turn-out with some sunshine and we raise a lot of money.”