...and I run in field of dreams, says Bowen

LAST summer, Jarrod Bowen swapped the chance of a luxurious relaxing holiday for his own gruelling boot camp in the fields near his Herefordshire home.

Most days he could be seen running among the cattle and sheep, strengthening his leg muscles in preparation for

a season which is turning out to be the 25-year-old West Ham forward’s finest.

Such sacrifices aren’t unusual for a player who has been determined to make an impact in the game since his teenage years with Hereford United.

Shortly after joining Hull City, one close season was spent lifting heavy tyres back in Herefordshire – another muscle-building exercise - while another saw him go rafting with his father on the local river. “You’ve always got to remember what your job is,” explained Bowen. “I’m a professional footballer, so you can’t enjoy yourself too much.”

There will be a queue of people in the game ready to congratulate him if his current electrifying form with the Hammers leads to an England call-up.

Like Peter Beadle, who gave a raw Bowen, who used to stand on the Edgar Street terraces as a fan, his first-team opportunity with Hereford.

“After taking over as manager, I put him into the team straight away,” said Beadle. “He went from strength to strength and was so hard-working. He is a manager’s dream. He played a part in keeping us up.”

Hull City snapped him up and it was current Manchester United coach Mike Phelan who gave a 19-year-old Bowen his first-team debut. He stated: “We had a good group of youngsters who showed plenty of spirit and endeavour.

“Jarrod wasn’t fazed by anything.”