Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph "proud" of fitness levels

By Jack Prescott, Rugby Editor | 02 September 2014

Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph reveals that he is "really proud" to have been called up to the England squad following a string of injury problems.

Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph has revealed that he is "really proud" to have overcome a string of serious injuries in recent seasons.

The 24-year-old has struggled with knee problems during his career, but his consistent fitness levels this season have seen him called up to the England setup for the first time for Wednesday's friendly with Norway.

Delph believes that his recognition by Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson is down to keeping himself fit at the start of the new Premier League campaign.

"I've had some terrible injuries. I know I always go on about it, but I feel really proud to have overcome those injuries and to be playing in one of the toughest leagues in the world," he told Villa's official website.

"It is all about how you prepare and how you train and finding the right balance, and I seem to have done that. Hopefully I can keep going and stay fit.

"Maybe the England call-up is a bit of a reward, but the hard work starts again now. I have to go down and train with some top players."

Delph has played in all three of Villa's Premier League games so far this season.