KIERAN Trippier’s England call-up is an inspiration to every pupil at Woodhey High School, says his former PE teacher Lee Garcka.

The 26-year-old Spurs defender grew up in Summerseat and attended the school for five years before leaving in 2007.

During his time at Woodhey he helped the school win the Bury Cup twice and Greater Manchester Trophy once, while also playing for Manchester City Academy.

His dream of playing for the first team at the Etihad did not work out, but Trippier moved to Burnley and fought his way up through the Championship before finally making his mark in the Premier League at White Hart Lane.

The Bury-born youngster could make his international debut later this month after being included in Gareth Southgate’s 25-man squad for the World Cup qualifier at Scotland and friendly against France.

“Woodhey High is just a small school in a small village at the top of a big hill, yet look at what Kieran has achieved,” said Garcka, who taught Trippier from Year 9.

“We always knew he was a very talented footballer, but didn’t know how far he would progress.

“In his career he has had to work for what he has achieved.

“He proved himself at Burnley after disappointment at City then made the most of his chance at Spurs, so I am sure he won’t be overawed by the England challenge.

“With hindsight, it was clear Kieran had the character to succeed, not just at football but in anything.

“He had a natural drive and determination to win.

“As his sports teacher, we used to play a lot of table tennis and he would not give in until he had beaten me. He would have been the same if we were playing tiddlywinks.”

Ten years on, Garcka has remained in touch and was quick to congratulate him on Whatsapp when Southgate announced his squad last Thursday. Likewise, Trippier has not forgotten his roots, visiting Woodhey last year to talk to pupils.

“Footballers get a lot of bad press, but Kieran is very humble,” added Garcka. “I don’t believe he is the sort to be wowed by the bright lights of the big city, and still seems to be the same grounded young man we knew during his time at Woodhey.”

Trippier is one of three right-backs selected in Southgate’s squad, so he has his work cut out to force his way into the team for the World Cup qualifier at Hampden on June 10 and the friendly at Stade de France three days later.

But should England suffer injuries to key personnel, his old teacher believes Trippier will be ready and willing to fill in anywhere on the pitch.

“It would have been a waste for us to play him at right-back as he was just too good,” said Garcka.

“Kieran had an eye for goal and fancied himself as an attacking midfielder. I used to have to convince him to sit a bit deeper as he had more influence on games from the middle of the park, but he scored plenty for us.

“In fact, we won three trophies in three years and I think he scored in all three finals.

“They were good times – I would say our best-ever football team.

“We had five boys who were at football club academies. Jordan Hulme went on to play semi-pro at a decent level and he is at Salford City now, but obviously Kieran is the only one who made it all the way.

“That just shows how hard it is to become a professional footballer, but Keiran has shown with hard work anything is possible, even playing for England.”