VIDEO: 'Like the first day at school'
Nicholas Veevers
Tuesday, 22 March, 2011
Matt Jarvis speaks of his first day with the England squad.
Click here to watch video of the press conference.
England newcomer Matt Jarvis described his first day in the camp as like being back for his first day at school again.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers schemer was called into the squad to face both Wales and Ghana by Manager Fabio Capello after impressing with his form at the Molineux outfit over the season.
Despite having been close to getting into the squad previously, the winger admits he was still stunned when he first got the call on Sunday evening before linking up with his new international team-mates on Monday.
“It was hard to describe,” he revealed. “I was speechless to be honest. It was a fantastic feeling though.
“I didn’t know too many of the players, so it’s been like the first day at school for me, getting to know people.
“Everyone has made me feel really welcome though so it’s been good.
“We had a short and sharp training session this morning, so that was nice to stretch the legs and get out there and train.”
It has been something of a climb to the top for Jarvis, who was originally with Millwall as a schoolboy before moving on to Gillingham where he made his first breakthrough as a 17-year-old in the Football League.
His potential and promise was quickly latched onto by numerous clubs and when Wolves beat a posse of clubs to swoop and sign him four years ago, his development has progressed to the stage where is now regularly impressing at the top level.
And Jarvis hopes that his call-up can act as something of an inspiration to other young players looking to make the rise to the top.
“It's been a rollercoaster ride, but I'm delighted with how I've done it,” he added.
“I am delighted getting in the squad and hopefully some other people can do the same, by just working hard and aiming high.
“You need to stay positive, have the right people around you, aim high and hopefully you can get there.”
Should Jarvis pick up his first cap at any level for England over the next week, then he won’t be the first in his family to have represented his country. Both of his parents, Nicky and Linda, were England internationals at table tennis and now Matt is looking to pick up from where they left off on the world stage, if not in Cardiff then certainly at Wembley next Tuesday.
“Over the years, they've been able to guide me in different situations,” he explained.
“In particular, the mental side of it really, but they try and help on the football side as much as they can.”