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ITN
Bullard gets England call-up at 29
Bullard gets England call-up at 29
Jimmy Bullard is hoping he will be an inspiration for non-league footballers after earning his first England cap at 29. Bullard began his career with Gravesend and Northfleet as a £60-a-week player while working as a painter and decorator. Now the Fulham midfielder has been selected by Fabio Capello for England's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia. Bullard said: "I hope what I have achieved will act as a spur to other players, other non-league players. There are a lot of young players out there. There are a lot of older players out there. "But you have always got time. My message is never give in, hang in there and play to the best of your ability. "I was playing for Gravesend earning £60 a week which is a long way away from being picked for England. "I remember it like it was yesterday. I played on the right wing and they were fantastic times. I enjoyed them immensely." Injuries to the likes of Owen Hargreaves and Steven Gerrard have helped Bullard make the international breakthrough and he is determined not to let his country down. The former West Ham and Wigan player said: "I'm just getting my head down and trying to prove I can do a job for England if called upon by the manager."
ITN | September 2, 2008
