Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher revealed how heart surgery gave him a fresh perspective after making an impressive start to his England Under-21 career.
Gallagher, 19, scored a stunner as the Young Lions took control of their Euro 2021 group by beating Albania 3-0 on Friday night on his full debut.
The midfielder already has five goals on loan with Championship side Charlton but his rise comes just a year after suffering heart problems.
‘It definitely drives me on because it’s a bit of a scare, isn’t it?’ Gallagher said. ‘It makes you appreciate it more when you’re out there on the pitch playing.
‘You have to give 100 per cent because every single one of us is lucky to be here. Ever since it happened, after the surgery, I’ve just wanted to prove myself.
‘I’ve come back fitter, stronger. I’ve set myself small targets and I feel that is the better way to do it because I didn’t expect to be starting on Friday night and I did and then did well. I can set more targets.'