Does Bothroyd England Call Up Show That Talent Can Overcome Temperament?

This week Jay Bothroyd went one better by receiving his first call up to the senior squad to reach a new peak in what has been a somewhat chequered career.

This is even more significant for the Championship as Bothroyd is not an on loan Premiership player but has plied his trade in the Championship at Cardiff continuously for more than two seasons. 

Described by his own manager as ‘high maintenance’ the road to international football has not been an easy one for the 28 year old striker who has been described by Arsene Wenger as one of the most talented strikers to play at the club. 

Starting in the Arsenal youth set up the Cardiff striker has played in the Premiership, Championship and Serie A in a colourful and often misfiring career. 

Having played for no fewer than 8 clubs, the Bluebirds knew that they faced a challenge when signing a controversial figure in 2008, a player who has always been recognized as talented but tainted by personality issues. However since moving to Wales the player has gradually found his feet and started showing his pedigree, showing progressive improvement in his two and a third seasons in the Welsh capital.

This season has truly been his breakout season for Bothroyd, scoring an incredible 15 times in 16 games stealing the limelight from none other than on loan hero Craig Bellamy. 

An international call up for Bothroyd is a huge milestone for both the player and his club, should he make an appearance on Wednesday he will be the first Cardiff player in 111 years to play for England. 

The progress of Jay Bothroyd can for the most part be attributed to Dave Jones and his ability to manage the striker and harness his talent whilst negating the elements of his character that have held him back in the past.

For Fabio Capello calling Bothroyd into the squad is a gamble, but with the state of England’s front line is disarray maybe Bothroyd is the man to provide competition and excitement to the national team.