England captain Steven Gerrard believes the story of Rickie Lambert should be an inspiration to all young players trying to make their way in the game.

Lambert continued his fairytale international career with a goal and two assists in Friday's 4-0 World Cup qualification win over Moldova, at Wembley.

The game marked the Saints striker's first start for his country, and followed his dream debut against Scotland, when he scored the decisive effort in a 3-2 victory with his first touch.

The path Lambert has trod to reach this level is now well known.

Discarded by Liverpool as a youngster, he ended up working in a factory, putting jars on beetroot bottles, when he was released by Blackpool in 2000.

But, after a number of years journeying around the lower leagues, his career changed completely when he signed for Saints, in 2009.

It was the beginning of an astonishingly rapid progression to the very top of the game.

At 31, Lambert has only played two full seasons above the third tier.

In the last campaign, he was the joint top English scorer in the Premier League.

The Roy of the Rovers comparison is a cliché, but in this instance it does seem apt. Gerrard said: "He’s worked really hard and he’s a great example to young kids out there who are trying to make their way in the game. You have to start off lower down and he’s come to the top. "He’s scored two in two, a couple of assists, so he’s took to it really well."

Initially, Lambert’s arrival in the England squad had an air of being something of a token gesture from manager Roy Hodgson.

The way the England boss spoke did little to inspire confidence that he saw Lambert as a serious option who was worthy of consideration for the World Cup next year, assuming the team qualifies.

Yet the Saints forward has grasped his opportunity and has begun to emerge as the toast of the nation. Hodgson can hardly ignore him now, even if he still seems to hold back a little when it comes to discussing him.

Lambert’s performances at this level will come as little surprise to those who watch him week in and week out, though.

A prolific front man, he provides a magnificent focal point in attack, while combining that with the ability to link play and demonstrate an impressive range of passing - something he did with his two exquisite assists for Danny Welbeck’s goals on Friday.

With Welbeck suspended for Tuesday’s crucial trip to Ukraine, Wayne Rooney out injured, and Daniel Sturridge a major doubt, it is likely that Lambert will again have the chance to continue leading the line.

Should he impress in Kiev, in such a vital game in an intimidating foreign arena, he may make himself indispensable.

Hodgson said: "Lambert was a selection people saw, to some extent, as one that came about because two other candidates were missing, but he took his chance," said Hodgson.

"That’s all you can do when you put the national team shirt on. I’m sure he’ll be expecting to play on Tuesday. I’ll have to make a decision to go along with his expectation or surprise him."

Gerrard added: "We’ve set it up nice now and we need to go and put in a heroic performance on Tuesday.

"It’s a tough game. They’re a fantastic team, but we’ve got nothing to fear. Hopefully the injuries will galvanise us and we can get the job done. Its a great opportunity for us to get the box seat in this group."

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