Almost 40 years old, Simons makes first Belgium appearance for three years

The Club Brugge veteran answered his manager's call on the day of Sunday's game after a number of injuries in defence left Belgium short at the back Timmy Simons proved his professionalism and dedication to his country by returning to action for Belgium on Sunday for the first time in almost three years. The 39-year-old received a last-minute call from Roberto Martinez to bolster Belgium’s defence for Sunday’s match against Estonia after Christian Kabasele dropped out to an injury. And Simmons didn’t let his nation down, eventually joining up with the rest of the squad at 1am on Sunday. The defender replaced Axel Witsel to win his 94th cap in a poignant moment towards the end of the World Cup qualifying Group H encounter which Belgium won 6-1. It is his first appearance for the Rode Duivels since he came on in a 4-2 friendly win over USA in 2013. Simons is far from the oldest player to grace the international stage though. Barrie Dewsbury holds that record, having played for Sark at the grand old age of 52.