Bobby Zamora is determined to live up to expectations after Fabio Capello labelled him a future England star.
The Italian’s statement, which followed the Three Lions shocking exit from the World Cup, has brought about renewed criticism of his abilities as head coach.
Zamora, though, is boosted by such comments which he says incentivize him to step up his game.
“People can read into that what they want, I just let that sort of reaction wash over me,” he told The Sun.
“It is flattering to hear the England manager single me out.
“It’s nice to be linked with that and it’s a big target for me once I’m 100 per cent fit again.”
Zamora believes that too much can be read into speculation over who is set to be called up to the England squad.
He admitted, though, that hearing it straight from the horses’ mouth was incredibly encouraging.
“I’m the sort of player who wouldn’t even give a thought to being in the squad until I actually got a phone call from Fabio Capello,” he said.
“But the other day the words were straight out of his mouth, so that was good.”
He added: “There’s always speculation about who might be in the squads but I’d rather hear it from the manager himself.
“Joe Bloggs might be laughing about the thought of me in the next World Cup but listen, that’s four years away, and there’s another big tournament before that.”
As for his future at club level, Zamora dismissed suggestions he might follow Roy Hodgson from Fulham to Liverpool.
“I’ve got two years on my contract and my concern now is to get back to full fitness and help the club stay in the top division again.”
