Matt Jarvis admits an England call-up has seen him complete a remarkable reversal in fortune.
Wolves winger proof that hard work brings reward
Matt Jarvis admits an England call-up has seen him complete a remarkable reversal in fortune.
The Wolves winger has been included in Fabio Capello's plans for Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales and a Wembley friendly against Ghana on 29th March.
He had previously been named in two provisional squads, but has now made the final cut for the first time.
A senior international bow beckons, with many feeling that Jarvis' fine form in the Premier League this season is deserving of a first cap.
The 24-year-old hopes he will be given the opportunity to fulfil that dream, allowing him to take the final step on the road to redemption which began with being shown the door at Millwall eight years ago.
Jarvis said: "This is a stark contrast to the emotions I felt when released by Millwall at 16.
"That is something I look back and think 'that was maybe a time that spurred me on'.
"It is hard to hear that when you are 16, getting released, but you've just got to be mentally strong.
Learning
"You've got to have the right people around you to guide you in the right direction and actually work hard. I'm also willing to listen and learn.
"I went to Gillingham, got signed up there and have never looked back since.
"It is everyone's dream to play for their country and now I'm in the squad and am delighted."
Should Jarvis figure against Wales or Ghana, he will become the first Wolves player to pull on an England jersey since the legendary Steve Bull earned the last of his 13 caps way back in 1990.
Such an achievement would make the midfielder very proud, but he is just delighted to have seen Wolves' endeavours rewarded.
He said: "It shows you can get in the squad if you are in any team in the Premier League.
"I suppose everything has been coming together at the right time. I've been working hard on different parts of my game.
"I wanted to improve my goals tally. Hopefully I'm starting to do well and we've been playing well. It's helped that everyone else in the team has been doing well and it's helped me out."
