Thursday 4 September 2014 13:56, UK
Fabian Delph has revealed how he battled back from an injury nightmare to earn his England debut at Wembley on Wednesday night.
The Aston Villa winger’s fine early season form was rewarded with a senior call-up and he came off the bench in the second half of the 1-0 win over Norway on Wednesday.
But Delph held little hope of an England call-up after a lengthy absence due to a knee injury, with the promising youngster unable to force his way back into Villa’s first team.
"A few years ago I couldn't get fit and into the first team at Villa so it has been a really long hard road," the Villa midfielder said after the final whistle at Wembley.
"I have had a lot of help from the medical team and fitness coaches at Villa to get me where I am now.
"Being here (with England) is great."
A few years ago I couldn't get fit and into the first team at Villa so it has been a really long hard road.
Roy Hodgson praised the 24-year-old’s late contribution, but Delph must wait to find out whether he will play a part in Monday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland.
"If selected that would be great, but I know I am here for my first time," he said.
"I am just looking to work hard and if I am given the chance to play then that would be great."
Delph admits his friend Daniel Sturridge and captain Wayne Rooney helped him settle into the squad.
"I have known Daniel Sturridge a long time but the skipper has been great with us," said Delph, who was one of four new faces called up last week.
"He's really welcomed the new lads and it's a great set of lads."
