Radio star Mike Sweeney, 76, to make England debut

Mike Sweeney says he is still "pinching himself" at getting to play for England

BBC radio presenter Mike Sweeney says he is "incredibly honoured" to get an international call up to play for the England football team at the age of 76.

Sweeney, who hosts BBC Radio Manchester's mid-morning show has been selected to play in England's new over 75s team, who take on Wales on Wednesday.

He said he was still "pinching himself" at getting picked for the squad to face Wales in the inaugural Aneurin Bevan Shield fixture at St George's Park - England's training base - at Burton upon Trent, after "impressing" at a trial at Beaconsfield FC.

"I'm looking forward to an amazing game," he said.

Mike Sweeney is swapping his studio for St George's Park when he makes his England Over 75s debut on Wednesday

The radio star, who is also the frontman for punk band, the Salford Jets, said it was "really surreal" to be selected for his country after playing the beautiful game for 60 years.

"To get the call-up and to say I'm going to be an England international at 76 years of age is just wonderful," he said.

"My life is a bit like Benjamin Button.

"I didn't start on the radio until my 30s, didn't get a recording contract until I was 30, I had my youngest [child] when I was 53.

"So I'm doing all this stuff almost in reverse."

The Salford-born broadcaster encouraged people to exercise, no matter their age.

He said he felt fit and strong, mentally and physically, after a game or training with a "load of endorphins swimming around".

"You can't buy that feeling," he said.

The England Over 75s team has a combined age of about 1,000 years

Ken Pollock, the player manager of England Over 75s - who have a combined aged of about 1,000 years - said Sweeney impressed him at the trial.

"He fully merited his selection because of the quality of his play," he said.

Pollock added he "demonstrated robustness in the tackle".

The player manager said he believed the 11-a-side England v Wales game, which will be played on a full-size pitch and for 90 minutes, will be the first international over 75s match ever played.

The Aneurin Bevan Shield between England and Wales Over 75s kicks off at 13:30 BST on Wednesday at St George's Park.