Fraizer Campbell has admitted his England call-up has taken him from the worst moment of his life to the best in little more than 18 months.
Star's rollercoaster ride
Fraizer Campbell has admitted his England call-up has taken him from the worst moment of his life to the best in little more than 18 months.
The 24-year-old Sunderland forward was the surprise inclusion on Thursday in Stuart Pearce's squad for the friendly against Holland next Wednesday.
It marks a remarkable turnaround for Campbell, who suffered two cruciate ligament injuries in the same knee - keeping him out of action for the entirety of 2011.
But comeback goals against Middlesbrough and Norwich have seen the former Manchester United man re-emerge as a potential star.
And Campbell admits the injury low points have now been matched by the highs of this month.
Campbell told Sunderland's
official website: "I've gone from probably the worst point of my life 18 months ago to probably the best at the moment.
"It's been a bit of a rollercoaster. The last month or so has been brilliant. I've been playing games and to be back involved again is world class.
Opportunity
"There's an opportunity for me to show what I can do and stake a claim [with England].
"I've always known that I am a good player, but the injury set me back a bit.
"I will go there and enjoy my football. I know half the team already anyway, so it's not as if I'll be nervous.
"Being called up is a great honour and I can't wait to go.
"I was surprised, but I'm really delighted with the news. It's a great honour to be part of it.
"I have been dreaming of being called up for my country since I was 10 years old - that's something every footballer dreams about growing up.
"It's just massive for me."
