Fleet pride at Bullard's call-up

Bullard left Gravesend and Northfleet for West Ham in 1999 (Getty)

Former team-mates of Jimmy Bullard are hoping he will become one of a handful of players who started their career in non-league to win an England cap.

The Fulham midfielder, who ten years ago played for Gravesend and Northfleet, is in Fabio Capello's squad for the next two World Cup qualifiers.

Director and former physiotherapist Micky Ward said: "I'm so glad he has reached the highest accolade.

"He was very shy, but underneath was a real comic and a brilliant lad."

Ward added: "Going up the forward line he was always on the ball, loved dribbling, but he was often getting injured and we nursed him."

The 29-year-old gets his chance with Steven Gerrard, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick all out injured.