International recognition for Wrexham star Jacob Mendy

The wing-back has been named in the Gambia squad for next Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to South Sudan.

Wrexham clinched the National League title with a best-ever 111 points and return to the Football League following a 15-year absence, and Mendy has been recognised for his efforts.

Brought in from Boreham Wood last summer, Mendy made 30 league appearances for Phil Parkinson’s side and the 26-year-old, who has also played for Wealdstone, Carshalton Athletic and Redhill since moving to England, says this season has surpassed all expectations.

“I am more than delighted with the call-up,” said Mendy, who joins up with the Gambia squad tomorrow.

“It is my first call-up so I am so happy and proud.

“Representing your country is the top thing that can happen to a footballer and getting the call-up for my country is something I wouldn’t have been able to imagine two or three years ago.

“Right now I am just living the dream, literally.

“It’s been an unbelievable season for me.

“Joining Wrexham is one of the best things that’s happened in my life.

“All of these things that are happening to me right now, it’s not easy to take on.

“It is a lot to process but I am delighted and very proud.”

Although born in Gambia, Mendy is also eligible to represent Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and Spain, but he said: “I can play for four countries but Gambia is where my heart is.

“I always wanted to represent Gambia, that’s where I was born.”

Wrexham clinched automatic promotion by beating Boreham Wood 3-1 on April 22 and Mendy was again in the side as a remarkable season, where the Reds were pushed all the way for the title by Notts County, came to an end with a 1-1 draw at Torquay United seven days later.

Fast forward seven weeks and Mendy will aim to end an already successful campaign by helping Gambia, managed by Tom Saintfiet, beat South Sudan and take another step towards qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations which starts in January.

There are four teams in the group and the top-two will progress to the finals in Ivory Coast.

Gambia are third but level on points with second placed Congo and only three behind leaders Mali, with two games remaining.

“The season has not finished for me yet,” added Mendy.

“Hopefully it finishes the way I finished with Wrexham, and we end up qualifying.

“That would finish the season perfectly.

“There are only two group games left and we have still got a big chance to qualify.

“The AFCON is a massive tournament so hopefully I can play my part.

“I would love to help the team by playing and hopefully score or have an assist.”