There was a scream of delight in our household when Jimmy Bullard`s name appeared in the England squad.
After all, it`s hard to remember when we last had a player who stood a realistic chance of appearing for the national team.
With Steven Gerrard out injured and Frank Lampard struggling with a thigh injury, there is every reason to hope that Jimmy wil get a start against Andorra.
However, all week, since the squad was announced, we`ve been wondering what the rest of the squad will be making of our Jimmy, the effervescent bundle of action who isn`t afraid to stick on Chas n` Dave music in the dressing room.
Well tonight, in the Evening Standard, ray Lewington has given a wonderful insight into what Capello and the rest of the England lads can expect by commenting,
“I`ll give it until Thursday and Jim will be the leader of the pack in that squad.”
“Nothing fazes him, not even the thought that he might have a chance of playing against Croatia in that hostile atmosphere. He`ll love it.”
“The one thing about Jim is that he doesn`t do quiet. You can always hear him in the dressing room at the training ground, shouting, screaming, singing but most of all laughing.”
“It can drive you nuts occasionally but you`ll still probably end up laughing at him.”
“He`s hyperactive, he can`t sit still, there`s a little of the Paul Gascoigne in him.”
“It would be doing Bullard a disservice though, to dismiss him as just a joker.”
“Jim`s a marvellous dead-ball kicker, one of the best.”
“I would imagine that, in training this week with England, Jim will be itching to show people what they he can do.”
“If they`re playing a game and there`s a free kick, Jim will want the ball. He`ll be fighting David Beckham, Frank Lampard, David Bentley and the rest.”
“His biggest asset apart, from his dead-ball ability is undoubtedly his enthusiasm. He`ll be like a dog with two tails this week.”
“I don`t quite know what Mr Capello will make of him but, one thing`s for sure. Jim won`t be bashful.”
If I see Jimmy stood there, chest puffed out and singing the national anthem this weekend, I`m not afraid to admit there`ll be the odd tear in my eye.
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