Bridges earns call-up

England v Italy
European Challenge Trophy
7.45pm, Wednesday 15 February 2006
Cambridge United FC

Cambridge United midfielder David Bridges has earned a last minute call-up to the England National Game XI squad by Paul Fairclough after injury ruled out Tamworth midfielder David Bampton.

Bampton arrived at the team hotel in Cambourne yesterday but after the medical staff assessed a foot injury, the former Swindon Town player reluctantly returned to the Midlands, earning Bridges a call-up and the chance to make his international debut in front of his home supporters against Italy.

A graduate of United's youth development scheme, David used to watch U's matches from the terrace as a supporter and earned his first professional contract in February 2002 after scoring two consecutive hat tricks for the U19s at the end of the season.

The attacking midfielder had made seven first team appearances, realising every fan's dream by scoring his first senior goal in front of the Newmarket Road terrace in a 2-1 win against Tranmere in the final home game of the 2001/02 campaign.

He became an established member of the first team squad in the following season usually playing in central midfield, until his season was curtailed by injury in February 2003. Following an ankle operation in the summer he returned to first team action at the beginning of August 2003, but a difficult season saw manager John Taylor lose his job and when David failed to agree terms with new manager Herve Renard he left the club.

He had trials in the USA at the beginning of the 2004/05 season before taking up an offer to play in Latvia, but an ankle injury meant he missed most of their season and finished the campaign with Cambridge's ambitious non-league neighbours Histon.

Following a successful pre-season trial, David rejoined United on a year's contract last summer and has the chance to re-launch his career.

His call-up for his country and the chance to impress a large number of Premier and Football League scouts will provide him with another opportunity to do just that.