FROM DIY SOS to an England C call-up – what a week for Forest Green sharp-shooter Reece Styche.

Styche, who joined Rovers team-mates and TV presenter Nick Knowles in filming an episode for the hit BBC show last week, has made it into Paul Fairclough’s 16-man squad to face Portugal at Northampton Town this evening in the final of the International Challenge Trophy at Sixfields.

“At the start of the season I wanted to score between 10 and 15 goals, keep Rovers up and get into the England C squad,” said the 22-year-old, who hit 16 goals in the Blue Square Premier last season.

“Achieving all three has topped my season off.”

Despite a poor personal end to the season the popular striker is determined to hit the ground running next season.

“I had a blip in the last month and a half. I felt mentally tired but it was my first season in full-time football but I know I will comeback stronger next season.”

Styche has backed under-fire boss Dave Hockaday to end Rovers’ perennial struggle against the drop.

“The chairman Dale Vince has rightly backed the gaffer.

“We know a section of the fans wanted the gaffer out, but look at it like this, if you work in IT with a shed of a computer you would struggle – and that is what has happened really, but now the tools are in place.

“The gaffer is a quality coach and has helped me immensely - all the players are 100 per cent behind him.”

Styche is acutely aware of the negativity emanating from the fans’ forum following contract offers to 11 of the existing squad but the Birmingham-based hitman is urging the fans to take a positive view.

He said: “On our day we can match anyone – the two draws against AFC Wimbledon proves that.

“Our squad is young, but we have players with lots of Blue Square and Football League experience, we just need a few more experienced heads in.”

Styche also backed the much-maligned Scott Bartlett to prove his critics wrong.

“Barts had a nightmare season due to injury and our fans have not seen the quality player he actually is.

“He does a massive lot of work behind the scenes with the gaffer and is an integral part of the club’s future.”

Bartlett persuaded manager Dave Hockaday, Styche, goalkeeper James Bittner, midfielder Yan Klukowski and sports therapist Tim Grigg to help the DIY SOS team transform the home of a deserving Cirencester family.

Styche swapped his football boots for steel toe caps and was quickly into his stride as TV star Knowles called on the Forest Green hot-shot’s skills as a former plumber.

“I stepped up to the plate when Nick asked for a plumber and it was good to use my former trade once more,” said Styche.

“Scott Bartlett organised the day so we blame him, but in truth we loved every minute of it. Nick and the crew were good to work with.”