The 29-year-old hopes to make the breakthrough at international level in Saturday's World Cup qualifier against the Pyrenean minnows in Barcelona.

It was only nine years ago Bullard combined his work duties with playing non-league football for Gravesend and Northfleet on a contract worth £60 a week.

He had made a slow but steady climb up the footballing ladder before suffering a horrific knee injury two years ago when playing for Fulham against Newcastle, which led to him contemplating hanging up his boots at one juncture.

But that 16 month lay-off helped Bullard to become stronger mentally and now he is on the verge of joining other former non-league players such as Stuart Pearce, Cyrille Regis and Les Ferdinand in wearing the Three Lions.

He said: "I've come up through the leagues. It has been slow but there have been a lot of great times and now wearing the England tracksuit is great for me, fantastic.

"I was a painter and decorator with my dad at Gravesend. I did that for three years alongside playing non-league football.

"My dad looked after me. I owe a lot to him. He always said 'always play to your best, never give in, you never know who is watching'.

"He always gave me the day off if I was playing football, so I could rest my legs and my mind, so I could give it 100 per cent at football.

"But to play football and have a seven o'clock to seven o'clock job is hard. It is hard work, rubbing down walls and ceilings."

Bullard added: "Now I am with England, which is a dream. I have set no targets as to what I want to get out of these two games.

"I just want to do the best I can in training. The team is up to the manager to pick. I'll do the very best I can and see where things take me.

"I know there are some important points to play for against Andorra and then Croatia and, if the manager needs me, I want to be ready. I'll give it my best shot if called upon."

Bullard is quick to give immense credit to renowned surgeon Dr Richard Steadman for helping to rebuild his career after the severe knee setback.

He said: "I had a lot of dark times, 16 months out. Halfway through I was thinking I might need more surgery or may even have to hang up my boots at one point. It was a nightmare but I finally got through it.

"Dr Steadman was brilliant. I was on the phone to him all the time. He helped me so much through rehab and, to get me back playing, I owe so much to him."

Bullard admits he could have been playing golf at England's hotel retreat in Hertfordshire this Saturday had he not been preparing for Capello's first competitive match as England coach.

But he is determined to adopt his usual policy of "playing with a smile on my face", although that philosophy made by rudely shattered if England fail to deliver the goods in the Olympic Stadium.

Bullard said: "This Saturday I would have had a rest weekend, played a bit of golf and fishing, might have been here at the team hotel. I've played golf here a few times.

"But it is better being here wearing the 'three lions' on my tracksuit.

"I have always love watching the England games - at my mum and dad's house, my house. Now it is great to be a part of it.

"Has it been frustrated watching England? You have frustrating times in all kinds of sports, especially football. The pressure is here for everyone to see.

"As a fan it is totally different coming in to being involved. But I was not nervous, I was anxious to get out there on the pitch. I feel comfortable on the pitch, playing football is where I feel my most comfortable."

Bullard admitted: "I hope I am liked. I play my football with a smile on my face. That is how I play my best football. I can't get too uptight.

"I just go out there and enjoy my football and enjoy life. It is as simple as I can put it. It is great for the fans to like you. That is what you aim for. It is good. I'll always play with a smile on my face."