It would be an unenviable task to find a Bolton fan that is not a fan of their battering ram centre forward Kevin Davies. He has been an integral part of their side in recent years with his robust approach aiding them through both chances created and not spurning chances when they come his way. Whenever you think of Bolton, he is perhaps the first player that springs to mind, but whilst his professionalism is to be admired, the decision to include the 33 year old in the latest England squad is a little more puzzling.

The England fans surprise was most likely on a par with Davies’s himself when Capello announced his selection earlier this week as he can’t have seriously expected to play any further part given the “new era” that the country is supposedly entering with the likes of Adam Johnson, Joe Hart and Jack Wilshere being promoted in an attempt to restore the faith of the fans left so bitterly disappointed in South Africa.

It may well be conceived that the selection of young Newcastle striker Andy Carroll would have offered more a step forward than Davies who may well be pulled up with frustrating regularity by international referees for his all action style and use of his body. Another question that may well be raised is whether Capello’s mystifying decision will mean England change their style of play. I’m sure England fans would not want to pay £60 to go to Wembley and see long balls to Davies and players feeding off of it.

However, whilst the decision leaves fans bewildered Davies, understandably, was delighted.

“I was in the expanded squad a couple of times but even when a few players pulled out and I thought I had a chance, someone else got called up,”he said.

“From then on I decided never to get my hopes up. You can't let it affect you. You've always wanted to play for England and if he (Capello) has been watching and you've scored you're like, "wow, you never know..." I just didn't want to put myself through that again. My half-brother's Jamaican so I might try for them.”

And his delight is hardly surprising given the fact that if he plays a part in the game against Montenegro next week then he will become the oldest player for 60 years to make his England debut.

The decision may have been dictated by the failure to lure in-form Villa striker Emile Heskey out of international retirement but ultimately Davies inclusion is probably a step backwards.