Former England youth captain Olly Pendlebury bids to make mark in Scotland with Ayr United

Olly Pendlebury admits captaining England as a teenager has made him hungry to do things the hard way.

The midfielder was one of his nation’s brightest prospects and starred alongside future Premier League players when skippering the under 16s.

But while teammates like Cole Palmer went on to turn out for Manchester City, Pendlebury has been forced to work his ticket in less fashionable climbs.

And after stints at Reading, Wycombe and Aldershot, he is ready to make a name for himself north of the border with Lee Bullen’s men after penning a two year deal.

Pendlebury, 21, told the Ayrshire Post: “Sometimes in football you peak or get your break quite early. That can lead to certain expectations or whatever, but it’s all about getting a consistent run of games to go and prove yourself.

“When I look back on my experience with England, it’s all a bit of a blur. I probably wasn’t able to really appreciate it properly at the time. It was a really proud moment…I remember captaining us against Scotland up at Stirling and that was huge for me at such a young age. But it’s something that probably never really sank in being the age I was.

“Last season I played 42 times and that’s put me in great stead for this move. Every club I’ve played for has been a stone’s throw from where I live so I was really keen to come here and try something different.

“Lots of boys seem to have come up from my neck of the woods and done well at this club, which will help with integrating into the squad.”

Pendlebury is hoping to add plenty of competition to the centre of the park and follow the example of Ben Dempsey, who has proved a hit since moving from Charlton last year.

He added: “I’m a player with a good engine who will work box to box and show the fans plenty of tenacity.

“The detail that was given to me when I spoke to the manager was something that really attracted me and the team is coming off the back of a great season. Hopefully I can come up and help us go one better.”