VIDEO: 'Excited to get involved'
Nicholas Veevers
Friday, 08 October, 2010
Kevin Davies reflects on the last week following his call-up.
Click here to watch video footage of the Kevin Davies press conference.
The latest new arrival to the England squad spoke on Friday after what has been an eventful week for him since first hearing about his call-up to Fabio Capello’s squad.
Bolton Wanderers striker Kevin Davies was named by Capello in the group which will face Montenegro at Wembley on Tuesday and, after meeting up with the Three Lions on Thursday evening, was straight into business with a training session on Friday morning.
Whilst many may have felt nervous at the prospect, the 33-year-old admitted he took nothing but enjoyment out of it, having already faced all of his new team-mates over the last few seasons in the Premier League.
“We reported here last night and there were a few little nerves at first, but I’ve been playing against most of these players for the last ten years, so I know them all,” he explained.
“I was excited to get involved and training was good this morning. I didn’t feel overawed at all and there’s great quality out there, some of the best players in the world, so I really enjoyed the session.
“I’m confident in my own ability and I’ve always felt that I could do a job at this level, but for one reason or another, it’s never quite happened for me and I’m looking forward to the challenge now.”
It certainly rounded off what has been a bit of a whirlwind week for Davies, who last donned an England shirt when he played for the Under-21s over ten years ago against Yugoslavia.
Having been on the cusp of the squad in the past, Davies wasn’t always certain if it would go any further but earlier this week, the call came.
“I was made aware last Friday by Owen Coyle that I was in the long squad again,” he revealed. “I’ve had a few disappointments in the past, so there were mixed emotions at first.
“Being named in that long squad is an achievement in itself, but after the weekend, the phone call came on Monday from The FA to say I was in the squad.
“I was a bit taken aback to be honest. I was just sat down watching the Ryder Cup at home. So I told my wife that I was in the squad and I sat back down and just took it in my stride after that.
“I had to wait to see it on the television to confirm, as I was still in shock really.”
Whilst a lot has been made about Davies’ age since the squad was announced earlier in the week, the man himself has no concerns and feels he’s in as good a condition as he’s ever been to push for a first full cap for England and had never given up hope that he would one day feature for his country.
“The age thing is not a concern of mine, I feel as good as I’ve ever done,” he said.
“I’ve had a good pre-season behind me at Bolton and I’m enjoying my football, so I’m hopeful that I can make an impression and play some part on Tuesday night.
“You never give up, and in the back of my mind I was always hopeful.
“I’m over the moon with it really, I’m just delighted to have got the chance and I’m hoping to make an impression and play a part on Tuesday.”
To buy tickets for the England v Montenegro Euro 2012 Qualifier next Tuesday night at Wembley, click here