Source: Northern_Echo
Bardsley boxing clever with Scotland
SUNDERLAND full-back Phil Bardsley feels in the form of his life after getting his career off the ropes at a summer training camp with European super-featherweight champion Steve Foster Jr.[LNB] Bardsley felt his time at Sunderland was at risk after losing his right-back berth to Alan Hutton last season when the Tottenham defender was on loan at the Stadium of Light.[LNB] He could now line up alongside Hutton for Scotland in Wednesday's Carling Nations Cup clash against Northern Ireland in Dublin after emerging as one of Sunderland's top performers this season.[LNB] The former Manchester United player pinpointed his spell training under Foster Jr and former British super-middleweight champion Ensley Bingham as the key to his success.[LNB] Bardsley, who made his Scotland debut in the 3-2 defeat by Spain in November, said: "I am maturing and I gave myself the best opportunity I could in the summer.[LNB] "There were rumours of me leaving Sunderland and I felt I had to do something about it.[LNB] "I did a little bit over the summer in terms of getting fit before I went back to training and Im reaping the rewards now."[LNB] The 25-year-old added: "I went away and got my feet up for a couple of weeks and before I went back I went to a boxing training camp, which stood me in good stead for the season.[LNB] "It was something I felt I needed to do, to give myself the best possible start I could.[LNB] "I was down at Champs Camp at Moss Side in Manchester with Ensley Bingham and my friend, Steve Foster Jr. I got myself in tip-top condition.[LNB] "I owe a lot of credit to the lads who helped me out.[LNB] Bardsley does not intend to go beyond the initial fitness training though.[LNB] "When they asked me to spar, I ran off, he said. I didnt fancy sparring."[LNB] The defender could not be enjoying his football any more with Sunderland firmly placed in the top half of the Premier League.[LNB] "I've just been trying to enjoy it as much as I can," he said. "If people have watched me, the smile on my face is always there. I am enjoying myself more than ever.[LNB] "I would say I'm playing the best football I've played for a long time. I'm playing consistently every week and enjoying it.[LNB] "If you enjoy your football, I think everything else off the field falls into place.[LNB] "You are happy in your life and then that shows on the pitch. Hopefully that can continue because I love playing football."[LNB] Bardsley again finds himself competing with Hutton for the right-back slot but he has recently played on the left side of defence, often a problem position for Scotland in the past few years.[LNB] "Tottenham are doing well, Alan has been doing well," Bardsley said. "I've been playing pretty well at Sunderland as well. I have been playing left-back as well.[LNB] "It's up to the manager whichever team he selects. I'll just focus on doing well in training and hopefully get a start.[LNB] "I don't focus too much on that. I've played right-back and left-back for Sunderland this season.[LNB] "If called upon I've done the best job I can. If that's to be for Scotland, there are some good right-backs but the way I've been playing lately I'm as confident as anybody.[LNB] "As long as I'm in the team, I'm happy. Wherever that may be, I'll try to do the best I can for the country."[LNB] Bardsley has no regrets about pledging his allegiance to Scotland last year, a decision which delighted his Glasgow-born father, who Scotland manager Craig Levein last week revealed was in tears watching his son face Spain.[LNB] "He's an emotional guy anyway," Bardsley said. "He's tough but he's emotional. It was a great moment for him and for my family to be playing for Scotland.[LNB] "He loved every minute and he's just proud that his son is playing for his country.[LNB] "We had talked about it a couple of times. When Walter Smith asked me a few years ago I was still a young lad learning my trade.[LNB] "I felt the time was right now to commit myself and I'm delighted to have done it."[LNB]
