by Alex Hoad

Hockey star Ashley Jackson has been named in the International Hockey Federation’s All-Star Team for 2010.

The West Malling-based midfielder, 23, who began his career with Tunbridge Wells, was named in the elite squad for the second time in as many years after another impressive showing for club and country this year.

The Chatham-born former Sutton Valence School pupil - who now plays for East Grinstead after a spell in Holland playing for HGC - has scored 44 goals in 64 caps for England and a further 13 goals in 41 appearances for Great Britain.

He fired England to European Championship gold in 2009 and was named the world young player of the year last year before helping England to a fourth-placed finish in the World Cup in India this year - their best finish for more than 20 years.

Players, officials, coaches and journalists around the world submitted their recommendations for the honour, with 18 men being named in the squad, including Jackson’s England teammates James Fair and Barry Middleton.

Jackson is currently preparing for England’s first ever appearance at the FIH Indoor World Cup in Poland in February.