John Ruddy believes his England selection for Euro 2012 is the perfect way to mark his ascent with Norwich.
Goalkeeper in dreamland after selection from Hodgson
John Ruddy believes his England selection for Euro 2012 is the perfect way to mark his ascent with Norwich.
The uncapped goalkeeper was named in Roy Hodgson's plans after an excellent season with his club in their return to the Premier League.
Ruddy's call-up is an added bonus for the 25-year-old, who is due to get married on 2nd June and has been given dispensation to miss the friendly against Belgium, and he received notice on Monday from England goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence of his selection.
Having considered his future as a footballer during his time with former club Everton, when he was sent out on nine loans, Norwich's No.1 is delighted at the turnaround in his career.
Ruddy told
Sky Sports: "I'm absolutely over the moon. I can't wait to get started."
Fantastic
He added: "It has been a long journey, but it is fantastic for me to repay the faith of (Norwich manager) Paul Lambert and the board.
"It just caps off a wonderful couple of years I've had at Norwich and a fantastic season."
Ruddy will likely provide back-up to Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart and West Ham's Rob Green in Hodgson's squad.
The Norwich man was not the only uncapped player to be named in England's party for this summer's tournament in Poland and Ukraine.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was also included after the 18-year-old's superb campaign with Arsenal.
England's 23-man squad for Euro 2012:
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Man City), Rob Green (West Ham), John Ruddy (Norwich)
Defenders: Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Man United), John Terry (Chelsea), Joleon Lescott (Man City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton)
Midfielders: Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Man City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Ashley Young (Man United), James Milner (Man City)
Forwards: Wayne Rooney (Man United), Danny Welbeck (Man United), Andy Carroll (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham)
