Man City goalkeeper James Trafford sets his sights on playing Champions League football and representing England… as he insists he can reach the top after flourishing on loan at Bolton
- James Trafford spent last season on loan at Bolton Wanderers in League One
- He thrived for the club, and is very confident about his future in the game
- Trafford wants to go on and play in the Champions League and for England
James Trafford has made a late run to become England’s No 1 at the Under-21 Euros, but believes he will end up on far grander stages, writes Jack Gaughan.
Trafford spent last season on loan at Bolton in League One, with parent club Manchester City set to sanction another move higher up the divisions ahead of next year.
The 20-year-old usurped Joe Bursik as Lee Carsley’s first choice in March, with the Under-21s kicking off their Euros against the Czech Republic on Thursday.
‘My long-term goal is playing in the Champions League and for England,’ Trafford said.
‘If you want to be in the Champions League you’ve got to be in the top four teams in England.
Man City goalkeeper James Trafford (above) had a fine season on loan at Bolton Wanderers
He looks set to be England’s No 1 at the Under-21 Euros this summer, and believes he is good enough to go on and play for the senior national team in the future
‘Whether it’s Man City or any other of the big clubs, I believe I will be at that level. Given the opportunity I’d be able to perform.’
Bursik had played the majority of qualifiers until leaving Stoke in January for Club Brugge. He has not played a game since and is not among this England squad, while Trafford flourished at Bolton.
‘The most important thing for goalies is to be playing and if you’re not playing it is really tough,’ Trafford added. ‘Next season I’ll play every week. I can’t sit on the bench.’
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