KEVIN Davies is ready to make Bolton proud should he get the nod from Fabio Capello at Wembley tonight.
The Wanderers skipper could become one of England’s oldest-ever debutants as he looks to earn his first senior cap against Montenegro at the age of 33.
Speaking to The Bolton News from the team hotel, Davies says he is keeping his fingers crossed after putting forward a good case for inclusion during training this week.
“I feel I’ve given a good account of myself,” he said. “There are now only three strikers here, so hopefully I can be involved in some way.
“Just getting in the 30- man squad meant a lot to me. Obviously, now I’m here, I want to take the next step.
“I’d certainly not expect to start the game but all you hope for is a chance to impress. I’ve given it all I’ve got, so we’ll wait and see what the manager decides.”
With Gary Cahill drafted into the squad on Friday night, Wanderers have two representatives in the England party for the first time since 1959, when both Eddie Hopkinson and Doug Holden played in a friendly against Mexcio.
“It’s great for Bolton Wanderers and I’m sure that in a few years we could see a couple more players come into contention for England,” Davies said. “We definitely have the quality there, and it seems to be the direction the manager wants to go in.
“Some people are probably saying ‘two players from Bolton?’ “But it is fantastic for the town and I hope we get a chance to make them proud.”
Cahill’s late inclusion came as a result of an injury to Phil Jagielka, and his chances of making at least the bench were also improved on Sunday night when John Terry pulled out of the reckoning with a back problem.
Davies believes his team-mate will be itching to show why he should have been in the 22-man squad from the start.
“I think Gary was disappointed not to have been in there right away but all he can do is take the opportunity if one comes along,” he said.
“You never know what might happen. I’m sure he’s ready and I know he’s able to do a good job if he’s called upon.”
Having finally made his international breakthrough in the latter stages of his career, Davies expected a mixed reception to his call-up.
But he insists that life with England doesn’t differ that much from his regular routine with Wanderers.
“It’s not all that different,” he said. “People say it’s a bit faster but we train at such high tempo at Bolton I haven’t really noticed much difference.
“The main thing is that I’m not overawed at all by it – I don’t feel out of place. I was a bit nervous at first, and thought it would be best to travel down here by train with Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott, who have obviously done it all before.
“Once I had met everyone I was made really welcome and felt comfortable.”
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