Chris McPhee has given a ray of hope to Albion's axed youngsters after arguably the best weekend of his life.

The former Albion striker was shown the door by the Seagulls two summers ago after nine goals in 69 appearances for the club.

McPhee then endured a season to forget at Torquay last year where he failed to score in 37 League appearances as the Gulls were relegated to the Conference.

But the 25-year-old's career is now definitely looking up.

If the likes of Sam Rents, Sonny Cobbs, Lloyd Skinner and Chris Winterton need inspiration after being released by Albion last week then they should look to McPhee.

On Friday he earned his first England call-up when he was named in Paul Fairclough's 18-man squad for the Four Nations Tournament last this month. England C - formerly known as the England semi-professional side - take on Scotland, Wales and Gilbraltar starting a week tomorrow.

McPhee followed that news by scoring the only goal for Ebbsfleet United in Saturday's FA Trophy final against his former club Torquay at Wembley.

It was a special moment for McPhee, from Eastbourne, who had missed a penalty minutes earlier.

He regained his composure to tap in on the stroke of half-time and then dedicated the goal to his ill sister who made it to the game Wembley on Saturday.

McPhee, who revealed a T-shirt reading 4 U SIS' after scoring, said: "My sister originally wasn't going to be coming day, because she has ME and she has had a really terrible year.

"She has not been able to move properly but she made it here to Wembley and I dedicate that goal to her."

The Ebbsfleet side was skippered by former Albion defender Paul McCarthy and also featured Brighton-born goalkeeper Lance Cronin.

6:49pm Sunday 11th May 2008

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