After his injury nightmare, ex-Red Fraizer Campbell is making his mark
Fraizer Campbell warms up during the England training session at Wembley Stadium He was the player groomed to be an England international from the age of 10 when first spotted by a United scout.
Now two-and-a-half years since being shown the door at Old Trafford, Fraizer Campbell stands on the verge of making his Three Lions debut in the post-Fabio Capello era.
It is a remarkable reversal of fortune for the 24-year-old, who has spent the last 18 months just fighting to get back on the pitch, let alone represent his country.
The Sunderland striker looked in danger of becoming yet another promising talent that fell by the wayside when leaving United for Wearside in a 3.5m deal in 2009.
Struggling to force his way past Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones at the Stadium of Light, when he ruptured knee ligaments not once, but twice, his very playing career was in threat.
Before returning against Middlesbrough last month, he hadnt played since his injury against City in August 2010.
Id like to think everything I have been through has made me more mature, said Campbell. It makes you appreciate it more and realise how quickly things can change.
Even four months ago, if youd have said I would be called up by England I would have just laughed at you.
Campbell has learned not to take his career for granted.
From a promising starlet at United in 2008 Sir Alex Ferguson declared: Fraizers future is here wound up facilitating Dimitar Berbatovs 30.75m move from Tottenham, heading in the opposite direction on a season-long loan.
Hed already got used to the nomadic life, having spent time in Belgium with Royal Antwerp, scoring 21 goals and helping them to the second division play-offs. He helped Hull to promotion to ! the Prem ier League in 2008 with 15 goals.
His opportunities were limited at Spurs, but not nearly as slim as they would have been at United.
When Campbell was shown the door at Old Trafford on a permanent basis he left behind competition that included, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Berbatov and Carlos Tevez. Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda were fellow starlets also hoping to make the grade.
Even for someone who had appeared at every age level for his country, it was unrealistic to think hed break through at United which is why Ferguson will still feel justified in his decision to let the striker go.
Fighter Darren Fletcher has eye on rejoining Manchester United next term
Sir Alex Ferguson: Survive spurs and we can win the title
He had already identified Welbeck as the player of greater promise, and has been rewarded with the England internationals performances when given his chance in the first team this season.
But his call-up for Englands friendly with Holland is a personal triumph for Campbell, who has scored two goals in five appearances since returning from injury.
Like his X Factor contestant brother, he has been handed a lifeline.
Ashford was the Teflon man in series of the talent show, initially being rejected as a solo artist before being fashioned into the group Nu-Vibe, who were also eliminated.
He came back again when recruited by The Risk, who were once booted out of the show.
If Ashford was the recipient of good fortune, the fates have largely worked a! gainst F raizer, who grew up in Huddersfield.
Not that he fell out of the love with the game, even during his darkest spells.
Campbell has continued to follow Sunderland home and away while sidelined by injury.
He has even taken to disguising himself at away grounds to get closer to travelling fans.
Known by caretaker England manager Stuart Pearce from his Under- 21 days, Campbell is just grateful to be back on the map.
Even if I go down there and dont kick a ball, I will still be happy to have got the recognition and trained with the team, he said. Its brilliant stuff isnt it?
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Now two-and-a-half years since being shown the door at Old Trafford, Fraizer Campbell stands on the verge of making his Three Lions debut in the post-Fabio Capello era.
It is a remarkable reversal of fortune for the 24-year-old, who has spent the last 18 months just fighting to get back on the pitch, let alone represent his country.
The Sunderland striker looked in danger of becoming yet another promising talent that fell by the wayside when leaving United for Wearside in a 3.5m deal in 2009.
Struggling to force his way past Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones at the Stadium of Light, when he ruptured knee ligaments not once, but twice, his very playing career was in threat.
Before returning against Middlesbrough last month, he hadnt played since his injury against City in August 2010.
Id like to think everything I have been through has made me more mature, said Campbell. It makes you appreciate it more and realise how quickly things can change.
Even four months ago, if youd have said I would be called up by England I would have just laughed at you.
Campbell has learned not to take his career for granted.
From a promising starlet at United in 2008 Sir Alex Ferguson declared: Fraizers future is here wound up facilitating Dimitar Berbatovs 30.75m move from Tottenham, heading in the opposite direction on a season-long loan.
Hed already got used to the nomadic life, having spent time in Belgium with Royal Antwerp, scoring 21 goals and helping them to the second division play-offs. He helped Hull to promotion to ! the Prem ier League in 2008 with 15 goals.
His opportunities were limited at Spurs, but not nearly as slim as they would have been at United.
When Campbell was shown the door at Old Trafford on a permanent basis he left behind competition that included, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Berbatov and Carlos Tevez. Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda were fellow starlets also hoping to make the grade.
Even for someone who had appeared at every age level for his country, it was unrealistic to think hed break through at United which is why Ferguson will still feel justified in his decision to let the striker go.
Fighter Darren Fletcher has eye on rejoining Manchester United next term
Sir Alex Ferguson: Survive spurs and we can win the title
He had already identified Welbeck as the player of greater promise, and has been rewarded with the England internationals performances when given his chance in the first team this season.
But his call-up for Englands friendly with Holland is a personal triumph for Campbell, who has scored two goals in five appearances since returning from injury.
Like his X Factor contestant brother, he has been handed a lifeline.
Ashford was the Teflon man in series of the talent show, initially being rejected as a solo artist before being fashioned into the group Nu-Vibe, who were also eliminated.
He came back again when recruited by The Risk, who were once booted out of the show.
If Ashford was the recipient of good fortune, the fates have largely worked a! gainst F raizer, who grew up in Huddersfield.
Not that he fell out of the love with the game, even during his darkest spells.
Campbell has continued to follow Sunderland home and away while sidelined by injury.
He has even taken to disguising himself at away grounds to get closer to travelling fans.
Known by caretaker England manager Stuart Pearce from his Under- 21 days, Campbell is just grateful to be back on the map.
Even if I go down there and dont kick a ball, I will still be happy to have got the recognition and trained with the team, he said. Its brilliant stuff isnt it?
Tweet
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