Ebbsfleet manager Liam Daish has criticised the timing of an international friendly which has disrupted his FA Cup preparations for Saturday's tie at Woking.

Goalkeeper Preston Edwards, pictured, travelled to Albania with the England C party after being included in the squad for Tuesday's friendly in Durres.

Ironically it proved a wasted journey as the game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

While the call-up underlined the 23-year-old’s reputation as one of the best keepers in non-league football, Daish was less than impressed. Knowing Saturday’s trip to Woking stands between his side and a potentially lucrative tie in the first round proper, the Fleet boss questioned the logic behind England making the 3,000-mile round trip in such a crucial week.

He said: "We’re trying to prepare for an FA Cup tie and we’ve not got our goalkeeper at the moment because he’s gone to a friendly with the England C side. It’s a bit disappointing how that’s been arranged, leading into an important FA Cup tie.

"There won’t be a (league) game this week and there’s a reason for that because we’re preparing for the FA Cup games. What I can’t understand is friendlies being arranged."

Fleet head to Woking without Ashley Carew, who is cup-tied, and Louie Soares, whose loan from Grimsby does not allow him to represent Ebbsfleet in the FA Cup.

International duty meant Moses Ashikodi missed Saturday’s goalless draw with Alfreton, but the striker is back to bolster Daish’s attacking options.