DOG ON THE TYNE

Street striker Callum bought a ’Banksy’ to remind him of his urban roots and Newcastle boss Eddie admits he’s had a tough journey from the lower leagues but will prove his pedigree at the World Cup

IT HAS been a long journey from hoodie-wearing kid on the streets of Coventry to World Cup-bound England striker.

But Callum Wilson is ready to make an impact in Qatar should Gareth Southgate lose talisman Harry Kane for any reason.

He needed five years building his potential and reputation at Coventry – including non-League spells at Kettering and Tamworth.

There was a £3million transfer to link up with Eddie Howe eight years ago at Bournemouth which included a first promotion to the Premier League in a 20-goal season.

But amid the 61 strikes in 171 games on the south coast there was not one, but two, cruciate knee ligament injuries in 18 months.

There was also a goal for England on his debut in 2018 against the USA, one of four caps, and lately he has been making light of the burden of Newcastle’s No.9 shirt – scoring six goals in 10 games this season.

Howe guided Wilson at the Cherries, and to new heights on Tyneside and feels the joy of his call up. The Toon boss said: “It is an amazing thing for him individually.

“Callum has had a difficult career. His is not all about successes.

“He has risen from lower leagues to the World Cup and it has been brilliant to witness.”

How has it happened? “Dedication to his work and a positive mindset. He has a way of scoring, a uniqueness,” said Howe.

“Single-mindedness and an inner confidence has got him here.

“He believes in himself, not in an arrogant way, not in a negative way. It is all positive.” Wilson bought a