Forward eyes spot in Sam Allardyce's England squad this season
Wednesday 3 August 2016 10:31, UK
Burnley forward Andre Gray says Jamie Vardy's rise from non-League to Premier League title winner will be his inspiration as he gears up for his debut season in the top-flight.
Gray, who was playing non-League football with Luton Town just two years ago, is preparing for his first season in the top-flight after scoring 23 goals last season as Burnley won the Sky Bet Championship title.
Vardy started his career in the non-League with Halifax Town before making his mesmeric rise to Premier League title winner with Leicester and Gray says he is hoping to follow in the England international's footsteps.
"You can't avoid what he has done, it's there to see. You can see what is possible and he has done that at a later age," the 25-year-old told Sky Sports News HQ.
"I still feel I have time to go on and achieve half of what he has done. So obviously it's inspiring and you have to look up to it, especially coming from where I've come, he's come from the same background.
"As I say, it just shows that people seem to think it's harder than it is, but it's down to you at the end of the day."
Gray is also hoping to attract the attention of the new England manager Sam Allardyce this season and says an international call-up is his next aspiration after securing Premier League football.
"No dream is too big. I've dreamt of playing in the Premier League since I signed for Luton, now I am here three, four years later," he said.
"Why not? I am going to work hard and there's always something to aim for. The day you stop dreaming and aspiring for something is the day you'll stop progressing. I am not going to stop until I reach my goals."
