Bothroyd hopes to avoid being a one cap wonder
CARDIFF striker Jay Bothroyd is determined to ensure his call up to the England squad ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against France won’t represent the peak of his international career.
The 28-year-old is in with a chance of becoming the first player from outside the Premier League to represent England since David Nugent, then of Preston, did so in 2007.
Nugent capped his debut with a goal against Andorra but never featured again – a fate Bothroyd is hopeful of avoiding.
“Once you get a taste you want to do well and stay in,” Bothroyd said. “It was the best day of my career to get that call and I am happy to be here.”
Bothroyd’s career has taken in spells at Coventry, Perugia Blackburn, Charlton and Wolves, before finally settling at Cardiff where he has spent the last three seasons and has scored 15 times this term.
Although his new found maturity has been rewarded with a senior England call up there will always be a part of him that regrets the acrimonious nature of his Arsenal exit, where he was dismissed for a breach of club discipline as a teenager.
He said: “It was a massive mistake. Arsenal are a great club but you have to learn from your mistakes. It has been a long journey but I am back on track again now.”