JOINT Grimsby Town manager Paul Hurst believes the scheduling of an England C international this month doesn't help Conference clubs who have players selected for the squad.

Town winger Michael Coulson has been named in the Three Lions squad of 16 for the International Challenge Trophy tie with Italy at Fleetwood's Highbury Stadium on February 28.

Hurst admits it's an honour for the young Yorkshireman who was forced to pull out of an England C squad 18 months ago through injury.

But he questions whether the game should be taking place as the season comes to a hectic climax at both ends of the Blue Square Bet Premier table.

Hurst said: "Coulo has been up there for us in terms of appearances made.

"He came out of the team briefly early in the season but has been available for every game. He always puts a shift in and is a very fit lad anyway. That helps him perform at the levels he has done this season.

"But for me, I wonder if we really need this international game.

"It's a nice honour for him but it's another game he has to contend with. If you look at the bigger picture with the recent bad weather and the potential backlog of fixtures for every team at our level, why are we sandwiching another game in?"