SCRAPHEAP TO ENGLAND FOR WILSON

ENGLAND prospect Callum Wilson was nearly dumped on the scrapheap by Coventry before his breakthrough.

Former Sky Blues boss Steven Pressley revealed: “He was very hit and miss – and lined up to be released.”

Now Bournemouth striker Wilson (above) is celebrating his call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the double header with USA and

Croatia at Wembley.

It is reward for his red-hot form and seven goals this term with the Cherries.

Wilson, 26, has flourished after a successful move from Coventry in 2014 for £3million.

But as a trainee, he faced the exit from City’s development squad until Pressley promoted him.

Wilson then plundered 22 goals the following season in League One before moving to the south coast where he has continued to progress despite two serious knee injuries.

Pressley said: “Callum deserves great credit for what he has come through.

“When I first arrived at Coventry, he was training with the development squad and was going to be released at the end of that season.

“After the first session, me and my assistant, went over to watch the development group and immediately Callum stuck out.

“From that moment on we involved him in the first team although in the first two months I certainly wouldn’t have said he was capable of achieving what he has.

“He has always had raw and blistering pace to unsettle any defender at any level but he was still very erratic.

“But the first game of the next season he scored, gained confidence and belief – and he’s looked back.”

Wilson, who goes gunning for Newcastle today, said: “England proves the hard work you put in does not go unnoticed and has been recognised.

“When I was injured, with so many hurdles and obstacles, an international call-up was the last thing on my mind.”