Man City goalkeeper James Trafford is aiming to play Champions League football and represent England… as he insists he can rise to the top after thriving on loan at Bolton
- James Trafford spent last season on loan at Bolton Wanderers in League One
- He has thrived for the club and is very confident about his future in the game
- Trafford wants to continue and play in the Champions League and for England
James Trafford made a late run to become England’s No.1 under €21 but believes he will find himself on much 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 before 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 to play in the Champions League and for England,” Trafford said.
“If you want to be in the Champions League, you have to be in the top four teams in England.
Man City goalkeeper James Trafford (above) has had a great season on loan at Bolton Wanderers
He looks set to be England’s No.1 under €21 this summer and believes he’s good enough to carry on and play for the senior national team in the future.
“Whether it’s Man City or any other big club, I think I’ll be at that level. If the opportunity arose, I would be able to play.
Bursik had played the majority of qualifying until leaving Stoke in January for Club Brugge. He hasn’t played a game since and isn’t in that England squad, while Trafford has thrived at Bolton.
“The most important thing for goalkeepers is to play and if you don’t play it’s really difficult,” Trafford added. “Next season I will play every week. I cannot sit on the bench.
