Jack Butland hopes to complete an astonishing few months in style by helping Team GB to a podium finish.
Goalkeeper relishing Olympics and thankful to Cheltenham
Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland hopes to complete an astonishing few months in style by helping Team GB to a podium finish at London 2012.
The 19-year-old's stock has risen rapidly since his inclusion in England's Euro 2012 squad and he is now gearing up for the Olympics after being named in Stuart Pearce's 18-man party.
While he is currently training alongside the likes of Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards, Butland knows that he owes a debt of gratitude to Cheltenham after spending time on loan at Whaddon Road last season.
"It is not often an 18-year-old goalkeeper plays in the Premier League or Championship so I knew last year I had to go out and get experience - and that was at Cheltenham," Butland said.
"I would like to think that has helped put me in the position I am in now.
"It was a long way away from where I was at the Euros, but it is something that I needed to do to give me the opportunity to go to the Euros.
"It was a necessary task, I enjoyed it and it was important to my development."
Huge event
Butland has made it clear that he is
staying focused on Birmingham and will not become distracted by transfer talk linking him with a move to the Premier League, but his immediate priority is the Olympics.
"It has been an incredible summer really," he said.
"I've enjoyed it so far and getting the chance to be involved in this Olympics is incredible.
"It is going to be a while before even England are going to have a major tournament in England.
"It doesn't come around for often to represent Team GB, especially as a footballer, so it is going to be a huge event.
"All 18 players are very proud to be here and looking forward to cracking on with the tournament."
