Jimmy Bullard has thanked Dr Richard Steadman for saving his career as he prepares for a possible England debut.

The 29-year-old thought he may have to quit the game at one stage, but the renowned Steadman worked the kind of wonders he managed with Newcastle and England striker Michael Owen and Aston Villa captain Martin Laursen.

Now Bullard, who started his career with non-league Gravesend, has earned his first England squad call-up. He could make his international bow for Fabio Capello's side against Andorra in Saturday's World Cup qualifier in Barcelona after not playing for his country at any other level.

Bullard said: "There were dark days when I was recovering. I had a lot of dark times. I was out for 16 months and halfway through I was thinking, 'I might need more surgery', or 'I may have to hang up my boots'.

"It was a nightmare but I finally got through it and Dr Steadman was brilliant.

"I was on the phone to him all the time. He helped me so much through the rehab. What a man and, to get me back playing, I owe so much to him.

"Now I've been called up by England. It has been a long way around. I remember like yesterday when I was playing part-time for Gravesend. I was on £60 a week which was a good contract then.

"It has been a long way around but to finally get called up by your country is fantastic. It means the world to me.

"I know there are some World Cup points to play for against Andorra and Croatia and, if the manager needs me, I want to be ready.

"I'll give it my best shot if called upon."

Bullard admits he could have been playing golf at England's hotel retreat in Hertfordshire this Saturday had he not been preparing for Capello's first competitive match as England coach.

But he is determined to adopt his usual policy of "playing with a smile on my face", although that philosophy may by rudely shattered if England fail to deliver the goods in the Olympic Stadium.

Bullard said: "This Saturday I would have had a rest weekend, played a bit of golf and fishing, might have been here at the team hotel. I've played golf here a few times.

"But it is better being here wearing the 'Three Lions' on my tracksuit.

"I have always love watching the England games - at my mum and dad's house, my house. Now it is great to be a part of it.

"Has it been frustrated watching England? You have frustrating times in all kinds of sports, especially football. The pressure is here for everyone to see.

"As a fan it is totally different coming in to being involved. But I was not nervous, I was anxious to get out there on the pitch. I feel comfortable on the pitch, playing football is where I feel my most comfortable."

Bullard admitted: "I hope I am liked. I play my football with a smile on my face. That is how I play my best football. I can't get too uptight.

"I just go out there and enjoy my football and enjoy life. It is as simple as I can put it. It is great for the fans to like you. That is what you aim for. It is good. I'll always play with a smile on my face."