Source: Team_Talk
Cork following Terry's example
The 20-year-old Chelsea man, who is currently on loan at Coventry, will be hoping to win his third cap for England Under-21s when they take on Macedonia on Friday in their 2011 European Championship qualifier at the Ricoh Arena.
Cork has already represented his country at Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 level as he climbs the football ladder, as well as being on the books at Stamford Bridge since the age of nine.
Chelsea and England captain Terry, 28, has trodden a similar path having joined the west London outfit at 14 years old and represented England at Under-21 level before progressing to the senior side.
And Cork is using his team-mate as an inspiration for success.
"John Terry is a massive role model for me and a few of the younger players at Chelsea," he said.
"He came through the youth team and came through the Academy and it shows that with the money Chelsea have got you can still progress through to the first team.
"Hopefully, if he can do it then another few lads can. To see English players doing well in Chelsea's first team is brilliant."
He continued: "All the players at Chelsea are good with the young lads, all the English boys are always there for advice.
"But others are as well, like Didier Drogba is really good with all the young lads, he's always trying to help everyone out.
"It's a good club to be at if you're trying to learn your trade because they are all really helpful, nice guys.
"I've never said to them 'I need help' but a few times in training and when we're sat down in the canteen they come over and start chatting and then offer advice."
Cork, son of former Wimbledon striker Alan, is looking forward to pulling on an England shirt at the Ricoh, a ground he is currently plying his trade at with Coventry until at least the end of December.
Like Terry, who spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest before making his breakthrough, Cork has previously also enjoyed successful spells at other clubs.
His ability to play in central midfield, centre-back or full-back provides Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce with a host of options, although Cork insists he prefers to play in the middle of the park.
And having recently penned a new three-year deal with Chelsea, the level-headed youngster is hoping to develop his game under Pearce's stewardship.
Cork, who was speaking at a Coventry primary school as he helped present the Good Sports School of the Year Award, added: "The more caps I get at Under-21 level the better it looks for me and I get more experience of international football.
"Obviously three years at Chelsea is a massive honour, they're one of the biggest clubs in the world and as long as I've got a chance of trying to make it there then it's all good for me."
