Ruddy ready for England role

Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy has described his call-up to represent England at Euro 2012 this summer as ‘surreal’.

In a particularly impressive debut season for Norwich, Ruddy has made 37 appearances as the club finished in 12th, 11points clear of relegation.

The 25-year-old has never presented his country, with Wednesday’s announcement being the first time he has received a call-up to the international setup.

“It was quite surreal. I can’t wait to get started now,” Ruddy told Sky Sports News.

“It’s fantastic for me to be able to repay the faith Paul Lambert put in me. It caps off a wonderful couple of years I’ve had at Norwich and we’ve had a fantastic season too.

“There were a couple of times, it got a bit difficult, but with the determination and the desire not to give up, it’s paid off now and it’s nice to look back and remind myself what could have happened.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity and it caps off a wonderful year for me.

“You see what he’s done with Norwich, not just me individually, but as a club. This season in the Premier League has been the biggest achievement we’ve had at the club – getting to 47 points – it’s just his (Paul Lambert’s) management style, the will to win and confidence he gives us.”

Ruddy then commented on his fellow domestic team-mates who failed to receive call-ups, namely Grant Holt who was overlooked by Roy Hodgson, despite an impressive season where he ended up as the Premier League’s second most potent English goalscorer.

“I can’t talk about people who should or shouldn’t have been selected,” he said.

“If I’m having an opinion then I think he should have gone. 17 goals count for itself.

“He’s a great guy and a great leader at Norwich. I’m very disappointed for him.

“Same with Wes Hoolahan and Anthony Pilkington who could have got in the Ireland squad, and probably deserve to get a bit more recognition.

“I think a club like Norwich will take staying in the Premier League for another season and make sure the better players are coming back stronger.”

The former Everton keeper also revealed that he had originally planned to get married before hearing the news, and will now miss the scheduled warm-up friendly against Belgium on June 2 before joining up with the squad just before they fly out to the tournament.

“I’m due to get married on June 2, and I’ve had this conversation with my family and they’ve said they don’t want to cancel it,” he said.

“So all being well, barring any injuries, then fingers crossed I’ll be getting married, then I’ll join up with the squad and then onto Poland.”