Town new boy Flynn backing old mate Bullard

Sep 6 2008 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

AMONG the many messages Jimmy Bullard said he received in the wake of his England call-up was one from Town midfielder Michael Flynn.

The pair have been firm friends since playing together at Wigan Athletic and although a proud Welshman, Flynn, right, would love to see Fulham’s Bullard, left, help England get their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a flying start against Andorra tonight.

“Jimmy’s a great bloke, and it’s fantastic to see him getting this recognition,” said close-season recruit Flynn.

“He’s fought his way back from injury troubles to make himself one of the top midfielders in the Premier League, and I’d love to see him establish himself as part of the England set-up.

“I sent Jimmy a message of congratulations, and even though he must have been pretty busy, he soon responded.”

Bullard’s call-up completed a remarkable recovery from a career-threatening cruciate ligament injury.

He was out for 15 months before returning to play a crucial part in Fulham’s Premier League survival last season.