I sang with Ed Sheeran but Scotland call-up is top of my charts

HE’S feeling the Afterglow after being called into the A Team.

Until this week the best day of Cieran Slicker’s life was singing Castle On The Hill while Ed Sheeran strummed on a guitar next to him.

7

7

But being named in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad sent Shivers down the Ipswich goalie’s spine.

Preparing for Nations League clashes against Croatia and Poland is the latest chapter in what’s been a whirlwind 18 months for Slicker.

After joining the Tractor Boys he was there as they landed a stunning promotion to the Premier League.

That saw Portman Road fan and investor Sheeran invite the whole squad out for a few pints and a singalong at a local boozer.

Thinking Out Loud, Slicker, 22, said: “Ed is a massive part of Ipswich Town.

“With him being local to the area, it’s great to see he’s putting his stamp on the club and investing in it.

“That’s probably the story of the club — the interaction from the town, and how involved we are with Ipswich. Ed’s a prime example of that.

“He’s one of the biggest superstars in the world, but he’s still coming into the club, seeing us boys and being around the community.

“There’s a video of him when he went into the stadium and was pouring fans beers. You wouldn’t see Drake doing that!

“He’s actually taken a few penalties against me. Then there was a point after we got promoted where a few of the boys got the mic while he was playing his guitar, and we were singing Castle on the Hill.

“That was brilliant. The whole week after promotion was amazing.

“But that night, especially being with Ed, was probably the best night of my life.

“He hired out a local pub. It was very discreet so nobody really knew, and it was just him, a few of his friends and the players.

“We had a few beers and sat there talking to him as if he was our mate. For him to just be speaking like a normal guy telling us stories, I still can’t really put it into words.

“It shows how much of a top guy he is. Ed’s so down to earth. But that’s the story of the club and it’s great to be a part of it.” Oldham-born Slicker had been on the books at Manchester City from the age of eight until last year’s switch to Suffolk.

He qualifies for Scotland through his dad’s side of the family, but his eligibility only became known to the SFA when he approached former performance director Malky Mackay as a 16-year-old.

Slicker was quickly ushered into the Under-17s and hasn’t looked back.

He might not have made a competitive appearance for Kieran McKenna’s men yet, but he won 17 caps for Scotland’s Under-21s, and has been handed the armband at times.

7

Sicker had been an ever-present in the last Euro qualifying campaign until injury ruled him out of the final two games, which Scot Gemmill’s side lost. Mum Amanda burst into tears when he called her with his big news and will be in the stands on Friday night.

He knows late grandparents Marlene and David — both proud Scots — will be looking down on him too.

Slicker added: “I remember Malky was at Man City having a walk around. One of the scouts, Joe Shields, who’s at Chelsea now, introduced me.

“Joe knew I could play for Scotland. I told Malky I wanted to play for the country and it went from there.

“We had some really good results with the Under-21s, and were really unfortunate not to qualify for a finals.

“Our organisation and structure was top-notch, and I can’t really put a good enough word in for the gaffer Scot Gemmill and his staff.

“I hadn’t really been expecting the call-up for these games, though. There were a few messages the week prior to the announcement asking if I was fit, but I thought I was just going to be on the long list.

“Then the call came on the Monday morning from our communications director Marcus Nash and I was shocked — but buzzing.

“The first person I rang was my mum, then my grandparents from my mum’s side.

“I wouldn’t be at this stage if it wasn’t for my family taking me to training from when I was eight years old.

“They are proud of me, but it’s a reflection on them and all the sacrifices they made for me. Mum started tearing up a little bit.

“She and the family will definitely come to the Hampden game. It will be my first time at the national stadium too.

7

7

7

“I’m buzzing to get there to see all the fans and the stadium and the atmosphere.

“There have been nights when it’s been electric so I’m hoping for the same.

“Unfortunately my grand- parents on my dad’s side have passed away, but they were a big part of my life.

“I’m sure up in the skies they will be looking down with a lot of pride.

“Representing Scotland is a massive thing and I’m very glad I stopped Malky that day.”

With Angus Gunn crocked, Liam Kelly benched at Rangers, and Zander Clark also on the sidelines at Hearts behind Craig Gordon, Clarke has opted to give younger keepers a look.

Dundee’s Jon McCracken was in the last squad, and now it’s Slicker’s chance.

Jambos No 1 Gordon should win his 78 and 79th caps in these two games, with Robby McCrorie also in the squad.

Slicker said: “I’ve always loved going away on international duty, whether it was my first one for the Under-17s or with the senior squad.

“I love meeting new people and players and making new relationships. There’s also seeing how another coach and another set of staff prepare for games like these.

“I know this is my first call-up, but I want to maintain it and to keep getting picked, not just get called this time.”

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page