Birmingham City defender Will Packwood has been inspired by his March call-up to the USA national team.
The 20-year old was badly injured in a FA Cup tie with Leeds United last year but has worked his way back to full fitness and is now a mainstay in Lee Clark's Brum line-up having made 10 Championship starts since February 11.
Packwood's individual form saw him called up by Juergen Klinsmann to train with the US squad ahead of their March 5 friendly with Ukraine and he says that opportunity has encouraged him to continue working hard ahead in order to enhance his international chances as well as striving to push Birmingham away from the drop zone.
"15 months ago I couldn't walk so it could be worse and obviously the success that has happened in the past couple of months has been fantastic," Packwood said.
"I just could not move when I did the injury, it felt as though I was paralysed to the floor in shock.
"I was here at the training ground when I received a phone call from Juergen Klinsmann and he just let me know that I would be in the preliminary squad for their friendly game away to Ukraine.
"It's been a fantastic year in terms of recovery and at the same time I'm trying not expect too much too soon.
"Young players are always told that it could be taken away from you and I guess you're a young player and you don't listen but that's how it is.
"We're all lucky to be able to play football."
