Jay Bothroyd is determined to build on his England debut and become an even better player in the future.
Bluebirds striker determined to make the most of his career
Jay Bothroyd is determined to build on his England debut and become an even better player in the future.
The Cardiff striker made his international bow against France on Wednesday, replacing Andy Carroll 17 minutes from time in a 2-1 defeat for the Three Lions.
He has been forced to wait until the age of 28 before taking the step onto that stage, with his career having taken in a number of peaks and troughs down the years.
Bothroyd is, however, adamant that he has many more seasons at the top ahead of him and is determined to make the most of the opportunities which have come his way.
"I wasted a lot of time when I was younger so I don't feel a day older than 22," he said.
Capable
"There are many players over 30 who still play for England, still play in the Premier League.
"Look at Didier Drogba, for example: 32 years old and he doesn't play like it. It's the way you take care of your body. You have to be professional now."
On his journeyman career which has taken him from Arsenal to Cardiff via Coventry, Perugia, Blackburn, Charlton, Wolves and Stoke, Bothroyd added: "You can go one of two ways.
"You can either keep going down that road where you end up wasting your career or you can make a stand and say, 'I want to turn things around', and be the best you can be.
"That's what I wanted to do. I want to be the best I can be, I want to play at the highest level possible and I believe I can do that with my ability."
Focus
Bothroyd could soon be strutting his stuff in the Premier League alongside his international colleagues, with Cardiff currently flying high in the Championship and determined to secure a safe passage to the Promised Land.
"My goal at the beginning of the season was to get promotion," said Bothroyd.
"This has all come very thick and fast and it's almost surreal. I'm happy I'm in the history books.
"Obviously, it's back to the Championship now, this weekend.
"That's what I'm focusing on now and hopefully I can get invited back (to the England squad) in the future."
