Frank: It's not hit home yet
Tuesday, 10 August, 2010
Under-21s 'keeper excited by Senior team opportunity.
Frank Fielding says he's still finding it hard to believe that he'll be on the bench for England at Wembley on Wednesday night.
The Blackburn Rovers stopper made his first start for the Under-21s against Uzbekistan in Bristol on Tuesday. But following the injury to senior stopper Ben Foster, Fielding and Under-21s team mate Scott Loach, who was in action for Watford in the League Cup, have joined up with Capello's men as cover for the meeting with Hungary.
Both young 'keepers have been to Wembley previously, Loach was in goal for the Under-21s in a match against Portugal last year, while Fielding was on the bench that day - his only visit to the national stadium.
Fielding, who was on loan at Rochdale last year helping them win promotion to League One, was surprised when Stuart Pearce told him about the senior call earlier this week.
"He spoke to me monday afternoon and told me that I've been asked to go along with the seniors," explained the 22-year-old Lancashire-born goalkeeper.
"I couldn't quite believe it to be honest, but I'm going to go there and enjoy it and try to do the best I can. I don't think it's really hit home to be honest."
He added: "I know Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs are there and it'll be a great experience for me and Scott and hopefully we can bring something back to the Under-21s.
"The only time I've been to Wembley was when we had the game against Portugal last year, so it'll be exciting to return with the seniors."
Fielding also had the opportunity to show Fabio Capello what he can do as the England Manager turned up at Bristol City to watch the Young Lions defeat Uzbekistan by two goals to nil in their first game of the new season.
However, it was a largely one-sided encounter with Fielding rarely called upon. Nonetheless, he was delighted to claim a clean sheet in his full debut for Pearce's men.
"I enjoyed the chance to play and it was nice getting my first half. We didn't concede so that's something you always look for as a keeper.
"All the family was down to watch, I enjoyed the start and it was really good to get the clean sheet."
"The gaffer told all the lads that Mr Capello was watching so there was an opportunity for us and it was ours to take."
"He has said there is always that pathway if you play well."