QPR striker Jay Bothroyd is gearing up to silence the cyber critics who have dubbed him the "new Michael Ricketts".
England strike hopes to realise his talent in the Premier League
QPR striker Jay Bothroyd is gearing up to silence the cyber critics who have dubbed him the "new Michael Ricketts".
The 29-year-old made his debut for England last November when he came on as a late substitute against France.
But since then he has not been named in a squad by Fabio Capello, however the marksman hopes to change that.
Ricketts made his England debut against Holland in 2002 but failed to score in his 45 minute appearance and did not score for Bolton in the remainder of that season.
Having enjoyed a rich goal scoring season with Cardiff last year Bothroyd secured a moved to the Hoops on a free transfer this summer.
Displaying
And he is now intent on displaying his ability to score in the Premier League, regaining a place in the England squad and most importantly, silencing the snipers.
"I received tweets, mainly from Leeds and Swansea fans, telling me I was a one-cap wonder and that I've done a Michael Ricketts," he told
The People.
"Well that one cap means a lot to me because I'm so patriotic, but I want to play for England again.
"I loved being involved in that game and Rio Ferdinand, Joleon Lescott and Steven Gerard welcomed me.
"It was a strange experience too though; it felt a bit like when you had joined a new school. Fabio Capello has a real presence about him.
Headmaster
"When he first walked into the room I took a deep breath - it felt like he was the headmaster and I was the pupil!"
His inclusion in the England party made the former Arsenal starlet privy to the sort of standard required to play for the national team.
And it was an experience that made him more determined to make it a regular occurrence.
He added: "Being among that England squad really gave me a taste for playing with that standard of player every day.
"No disrespect to Cardiff, but when I went back to club training after being with England I realised I had to play in the Premier League."
