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My Maccabiah dream

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Stevenage Borough star Robin Shroot has put Team GB selectors on red alert after stating an interest to play at a future Maccabiah Games.

With the selection process in full flow, the former Northern Ireland Under 21 star would be a strong candidate, but he has more pressing matters on the horizon. He hopes to be involved in Sunday's FA Cup clash against Spurs.

Shroot said: "The Spurs tie is a massive game. They're a top four club and have turned into a phenomenal side. My family are all Spurs fans and Luca Modric is my favourite player. It would be great to be involved. Any footballer would want to be involved in a game like that.

"Harry Redknapp has created a fantastic football ethos. He should be the next England manager 100 per cent."

Released by Birmingham City last summer, Shroot, 23, has a Jewish father and grandparents, which qualifies him for the GB Maccabiah squad.

He said: "The Maccabiah is the world's third largest sporting event after the Olympics and World Cup. It would be an unbelievable experience.

"My dad grew up in the East End and went to a Jewish school. I'm proud to have it in my blood and heritage."

Shroot, who lives in Wandsworth, started his career at Wimbledon aged eight. He made a big breakthrough in season 2008/09 when he signed a two-and-a-half year contract at Birmingham.

He made his first-team debut against Wolves at the beginning of 2009 and has also played for Walsall, Burton Albion and Cheltenham Town. He has played in Israel three times and believes the country has some talented players and teams.

"The Israel Under 21 side is the best I've played against," he said. "They are technically very good.

"Israel has some big clubs who have played in Europe.

"I can see myself playing league football in Israel one day. I think the style would suite me and the hot weather wouldn't be a problem.

"I want to play at the highest level and if I have to go via Israel and play in the Champions League to get back into the Premier League then why not?"

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