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Sunderland's Fraizer Campbell has described being called up to the England squad as the best moment of his life.
Interim boss Stuart Pearce named the Black Cats frontman in the squad for the first time ahead of Wednesday's friendly match against the Netherlands.
Campbell has overcome a spate of injuries to become a talismanic figure for Martin O'Neill's rejuvenated Mackems side this season.
"It's gone from the worst point in my life 18 months ago to now, which is probably the best moment in my life,” Campbell said.
"It's been a bit of a roller-coaster but the last month or so has been brilliant, playing games and being involved again.
"I was surprised, delighted and honoured to be part of it. It's always been an ambition of mine.
"From 10 years old, all you think about is playing for your favourite club and playing for your country.
"Any footballer in the league would be lying if he didn't say that so it's massive really. Brilliant.
"At first, I couldn't tell anyone yet really. I get called up for England and then got drug-tested along with [Sunderland team-mate] Michael Turner.
"I was sat there for ever - an hour and a half - so didn't get the chance to speak to anyone."
England are still to appoint a full-time manager following Fabio Capello's resignation but Campbell feels the current set-up offers fringe players like himself the chance to make a case for the national team.
"It's a big opportunity," he said.
"No-one really knows who the new England manager is going to be, so when you are out there on the big stage, you have got to try to show what you can do. It's an opportunity for me to stake a claim and do really well for myself.
"I have always known myself that I am a good player but the injuries set me back a bit. You hope to get back to your usual self, just go out there and enjoy your football.
"I know half the (England) team anyway, so it's not going to be a major shock, but it's a great honour. I can't wait to go."
Interim boss Stuart Pearce named the Black Cats frontman in the squad for the first time ahead of Wednesday's friendly match against the Netherlands.
Campbell has overcome a spate of injuries to become a talismanic figure for Martin O'Neill's rejuvenated Mackems side this season.
"It's gone from the worst point in my life 18 months ago to now, which is probably the best moment in my life,” Campbell said.
"It's been a bit of a roller-coaster but the last month or so has been brilliant, playing games and being involved again.
"I was surprised, delighted and honoured to be part of it. It's always been an ambition of mine.
"From 10 years old, all you think about is playing for your favourite club and playing for your country.
"Any footballer in the league would be lying if he didn't say that so it's massive really. Brilliant.
"At first, I couldn't tell anyone yet really. I get called up for England and then got drug-tested along with [Sunderland team-mate] Michael Turner.
"I was sat there for ever - an hour and a half - so didn't get the chance to speak to anyone."
England are still to appoint a full-time manager following Fabio Capello's resignation but Campbell feels the current set-up offers fringe players like himself the chance to make a case for the national team.
"It's a big opportunity," he said.
"No-one really knows who the new England manager is going to be, so when you are out there on the big stage, you have got to try to show what you can do. It's an opportunity for me to stake a claim and do really well for myself.
"I have always known myself that I am a good player but the injuries set me back a bit. You hope to get back to your usual self, just go out there and enjoy your football.
"I know half the (England) team anyway, so it's not going to be a major shock, but it's a great honour. I can't wait to go."
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