Jarvis enjoys ‘rollercoaster’

Matt Jarvis has admitted his first day of England training felt like starting school again after taking an unusual route to international recognition.

The Wolves winger is in line to make his Three Lions debut after being selected in Fabio Capello’s squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales on Saturday and next week’s friendly with Ghana.

He linked up with the other players for his first session on Tuesday morning and concedes it was a special, yet daunting, experience.

Having plied his trade with Gillingham before joining Wolves in 2007, Jarvis is not well known to any of his England team-mates.

However, the 24-year-old insists everyone helped him to settle in and he really enjoyed taking part.

Asked about his emotions at getting called up, Jarvis said on Sky Sports News: “It is hard to describe. I was more speechless than anything, but obviously it was a fantastic feeling.

“Training was good, short and sharp, I just wanted to get out and train and obviously get more comfortable.

“I didn’t really know any of them so it was a bit like having your first day at school again, but it’s been great meeting everyone and they’ve made me feel welcome.”

Influences

Jarvis is thrilled to have broken into the England set-up after years of hard work in the lower leagues, and is grateful for all the help he has received along the way.

He said: “From when I first went to Gillingham, obviously (Andy) Hessenthaler was a massive influence, giving me my first contract, and first start.

“And then since I’ve been to Wolves, Mick McCarthy has been fantastic, and his staff have all helped me with different aspects in training.

“It’s been a rollercoaster. I am delighted with how I’ve done it, going up with Gillingham and then going to Wolves and winning promotion.”

The versatile Jarvis, who has excelled on both sides of the pitch, recognises the importance of seizing his opportunity with both hands.

Asked about playing on either flank, he added: “That is obviously up to the manager but I can play on the right or the left and hopefully I can do well.”

Wolves fight

Jarvis also believes his England call-up could prove beneficial to Wolves in their battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

McCarthy’s men remain in the bottom three with just eight games remaining despite a series of encouraging performances recently.

“Hopefully we can (survive),” he said. “I think we’ve been playing well the last few months but just not getting the right results.

“Hopefully we are pulling that around and I’ll be full of confidence after this and everyone can use that.”