Bothroyd´s England call gives chance for redemption

When Jay Bothroyd walked into Arsenal’s plush training complex, the England striker’s tortuous search for redemption had finally reached a fitting climax.

It is 10 years since Bothroyd trudged away from Arsenal in despair after being told his career with the Gunners was over before it had even begun.

Now the 28-year-old was able to use those facilities again as part of the England squad training there ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against France at Wembley.

For Bothroyd, who is the first English-based player from outside the Premier League to be called up by England since David Nugent in 2007, it was a moment filled with significance.

“The last time I was here I was cleaning out my locker,” he told reporters on Monday. “I was a kid, very immature and slightly arrogant.

“I had to go away but I’ve turned my life around. My road has been long. Getting that call-up on Saturday was emotional. It was the best moment of my career.”

Back in 2000, then aged 17, Bothroyd reacted to being substituted during a youth team match by throwing his shirt at the feet of coach Don Howe. It was the final straw for a club already concerned at his arrogance and an unwarranted sense of entitlement.

He was immediately placed on the transfer list by Liam Brady, the club’s head of youth development, and sold to Coventry soon after.

It was a shattering blow for a teenager who lived five minutes from Arsenal’s former stadium at Highbury and dreamed of playing for Arsene Wenger’s side.

“I was expecting a bad punishment. They made an example of me and maybe rightly so,” he said.

“I realised straightaway what I had lost. No-one wanted to play for Arsenal more than me.

“I got home and my dad gave me a few licks. He wasn’t happy with me. I let myself down in a massive way.”

Bothroyd was one of the most highly-rated members of an Arsenal youth team that included Ashley Cole and Jermaine Pennant.

But instead of lining up alongside Thierry Henry and company, Bothroyd was sentenced to decade in the wilderness with Perugia, Charlton, Wolves, Blackburn and Stoke as he tried to get his career back on track.

It wasn’t until he joined Championship club Cardiff in 2008 that everything clicked into place at last.

Finally aware that it takes perspiration as well as inspiration to be a top player, Bothroyd has already scored 15 goals for Cardiff this season, including two at Scunthorpe on Saturday, firing the Welshmen towards the top flight, and persuading England coach Fabio Capello to take a closer look at him.

“When I went to Cardiff I thought I wanted to be consistent and show my talent week in, week out. That’s what I’ve done,” he said.

“My career so far I’ve underachieved but I’ve made a concious effort to knuckle down and work hard. It’s still surreal to be here and train with so many top players.”

While Bothroyd’s road to international recognition has been paved with obstacles, Jordan Henderson seems to be taking the express route to the top.

Just a year ago Henderson was on loan at Championship club Coventry from Sunderland and facing an uncertain future on his return to the Stadium of Light.

But the 20-year-old seized his chance to impress new Black Cats boss Steve Bruce last season and has developed at such a rapid rate that he is already been linked with a move to Manchester United after less than 50 senior appearances.

His graceful style has been likened to United midfielder Michael Carrick, but it was Ryan Giggs and David Beckham who he admired most as a youngster.

“Giggs and Beckham were the players I liked when I was really young. I liked watching Man Utd play and they were two of the best,” he said.

“When I was really young I met Ryan Giggs. I can’t remember where it was but my mum has a picture of him with me on his shoulders.

“I remember it vaguely. I was really young. I doubt he remembers it!”