England v Montenegro: Kevin Davies' waiting game finally over with Euro 2012 call-up

Davies had become so weary of waiting for England's call that he joked about representing a Caribbean island because "my half-brother's Jamaican''. Now Kingston's loss is Wembley's gain. International life begins at 33 for Davies.

"I feel shocked,'' Davies said. "The call came in this afternoon, and I sat down for five minutes, wondering whether it was a wind-up.

"I got the call at home and mentioned it to my wife and she shouted, 'You're in the England squad!' I'm really proud. I've had a few close-run things over the past few years.''

A fortnight ago, Davies admitted he had given up sitting by the phone. He was in a couple of England's extended squads last season as Capello assessed options before the World Cup. He became particularly enervated when Gabby Agbonlahor was promoted from the Under-21s ahead of him last term so yesterday brought particular joy.

"It's a really proud moment for me and my family,'' Davies said. "I've just got to go along and enjoy the experience of being involved with the international team and if I get the chance to play then I will do my best to impress.

"I'm sure there will be a few nerves over the next couple of days and it hasn't really sunk in yet, but I'm looking forward to this opportunity and I'm going to give it my best shot.''

Davies can certainly join in England's usual conversations over balls crossing the line, having endured similar pain during Chesterfield's famous FA Cup run in 1997.

All those years of hard work, of putting his body on the line for assorted clubs, has belatedly been recognised by his country.

It is also recognition of Bolton's more cultured play under Owen Coyle. "We are playing better football this year,'' Davies said. "We are playing stuff on the carpet. We are playing some really good stuff.''

For all Davies' consistency in leading Bolton's attack, often as a lone striker although more recently assisted by Johan Elmander, his promotion will particularly cut to the quick for Michael Owen, who is three years younger.

Owen, even with his recent goals, has never been on Capello's radar, particularly after the forward appeared to question the Italian's tactics.

The offer of a debut to Davies, a player marching through his fourth decade, hardly fits in with Capello's summer declaration of wanting to blood young talent.

Andy Carroll clearly has an issue with the England management, having been overlooked by Stuart Pearce for the Under-21s' vital play-off with Romania and also by Capello for the seniors. Carroll has begun the season well for Newcastle United.

Despite suggestions of an ankle problem and an infection, Carroll came off the bench against Manchester City on Sunday.

Along with Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch and Darren Bent, Capello needed a fourth striker after injury claimed Jermain Defoe, Bobby Zamora and Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Carlton Cole has been out of sorts, and out of favour, at West Ham United. Capello was snubbed by Emile Heskey, who refused to emerge from his international retirement.

As a frustrated Owen kicks his heels in international exile, and Carroll seeks answers, Davies' patience has been rewarded. Bolton's delight was articulated by Coyle.

"Everyone at the club is absolutely thrilled to hear that the skipper has been called up,'' the Bolton manager said.

"He is top man and a top professional. He works exceptionally hard on a day-to-day basis and I'm sure he will give Mr Capello absolutely 100 per cent.''

Capello was busy talking up Bent on Monday. "In front of goal, he is really dangerous,'' Capello told FATV. "He played 20 minutes against Switzerland and scored an important goal. Now he is training really well. He is probably one of the important players for the future.''

The England manager has plenty of decisions to make, including whether to drop Phil Jagielka with both Rio Ferdinand and John Terry available. The Everton centre-half excelled against Bulgaria and Switzerland last month.

Capello has to decide whether Ferdinand should be captain or continue with Steven Gerrard's successful stewardship. He has also to decide who should play on the left wing with James Milner suspended.

Joe Cole returns to the fold but Ashley Young's current brio for Aston Villa, albeit more centrally, warrants consideration out wide. Aaron Lennon is restored and offers an option on the right if Adam Johnson is switched.

Capello must hope the returning Robert Green is afforded some respect by England fans who won't quickly forget the team's summer travails, and the keeper's mistake against the United States.

Capello must also consider the wisdom of announcing Jack Wilshere in his senior squad as well as in Pearce's Under-21s. It smacks of arrogance.

It looks like England are expecting Friday's European Under-21 first-leg play-off with Romania at Carrow Road to go so well they will not need Wilshere for the away leg. Pearce's young lions may run in a few goals at home but have naively given the Romanian coach ammunition for his team-talk.

ENGLAND SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Robert Green (West Ham)
Ben Foster (Birmingham)
Joe Hart (Manchester City).

Defenders: Ashley Cole (Chelsea),
Phil Jagielka (Everton),
Glen Johnson (Liverpool),
Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United),
Joleon Lescott (Manchester City),
John Terry (Chelsea),
Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa).

Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City),
Joe Cole (Liverpool),
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool),
Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham),
Adam Johnson (Manchester City),
Aaron Lennon (Tottenham),
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal),
Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City),
Ashley Young (Aston Villa).

Strikers: Darren Bent (Sunderland),
Peter Crouch (Tottenham),
Kevin Davies (Bolton),
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).