Two Spireites have made their mark for their respective national teams during the November international break.
Academy graduate Liam Jessop, who is currently out on loan at Lincoln Red Ipms, started for Gibraltar in their FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Montenegro.
In the 20th minute, he latched onto a through ball before calmly slotting past Igor Nikic for his first senior international goal.
The 20-year-old became the second Chesterfield player – first since Dudley Milligan in 1939 for the Republic of Ireland – to score for their national team whilst under contract with the club.
Jessop has also recorded the most international appearances whilst with the Spireites, winning his seventh cap on Friday.
Speaking about the goal, he said: “Scoring for my country is a dream come true for me and to be able to do it at home in front of the home crowd made it feel extra special. It was such a proud moment for my family and I.”
On Monday night, the youngster could appear for Gibraltar in their last 2026 World Cup Qualifier against the Czech Republic.
Academy goalkeeper James Sissons also made some international appearances, starting in goal twice for Malta U19.
The young shot-stopper has played for the country at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U21 level – as well as being called up to the senior squad on multiple occasions.
He played the full 90 minutes on Wednesday against Northern Ireland and, more recently, on Saturday against the Czech Republic.
In the latter fixture, Sissons captained his side for the first time in a hard-fought 2-2 draw.
Sissons and Malta U19 have one game left during the international break as they travel to face Azerbaijan, with qualification to the UEFA European U19s Championship still possible.
“Having trained with the senior squad, I feel more confident now I’m with the U19s,” Sissons said to 1866 Sport.
“You’ve got to keep your feet on the ground, so that’s the thing. It just gives me more confidence in how I play and what I do on the pitch.
“With Azerbaijan, we’re expecting the same sort of test as Czech Republic and Northern Ireland because they’re going to come and want it. They want it like we do.”
