AMID all the hype about Rickie Lambert’s elevation from beetroot bottling plant to England goal hero, it has largely gone unnoticed who gave the Three Lions’ man-of-the-moment his first break in football.

In fact, even when asked during a Thursday afternoon press conference how Lambert’s meteoric rise could inspire his own players, modest York City boss Nigel Worthington neglected to mention his early role in the midweek international match-winner’s career.

Only after a return to The Press office, and a deeper analysis of Lambert’s background, was the need for a further phone call to the Minstermen chief uncovered.

Worthington, it emerged, gave the man, who secured Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over Scotland with his first touch in international football, his senior debut at the age of 17 – albeit as a midfielder.

Liverpool-born Lambert was introduced as a 68th-minute substitute by then Blackpool manager Worthington during a 2-1 home win over Wrexham on the opening day of the 1999/2000 season.

He went on to use Lambert again three months later but, following Worthington’s departure in the December of that campaign, the future Premier League frontman was only used once more by the Tangerines – as a replacement for ex-Minsterman Steve Bushell on the final day of the season.

Steve McMahon, Worthington’s successor at Bloomfield Road, released Lambert the following November, leading to the much-publicised, four-month spell in a Merseyside root vegetable factory.

Macclesfield then gave Lambert a second chance in the game and stints with Stockport, Rochdale and Bristol Rovers ensued before he joined Southampton in 2009 and starred for the Saints during their return to the Premier League last season, prompting Roy Hodgson to give him his big chance at Wembley this week more than 14 years after ex-Northern Ireland chief Worthington first spotted his potential.

Recalling Lambert’s fledgling years, the current City boss said: “He was a lovely lad and a very good midfield player back then.

“He was a good size with a physical presence and was very comfortable in possession. He lacked a bit of pace going forward but could use the ball and he always had an eye for a goal even from midfield.

“If you are looking for comparisons, he was no different to the likes of Tom Platt. I am not saying Tom will become a centre-forward but, like Rickie Lambert did for me all those years ago, he has done a good job when called upon.”

While admitting it would be almost impossible to have predicted the path that lay ahead for Lambert, Worthington also added his story demonstrates what rewards are available to any player who embraces hard work and adopts a professional outlook on and off the pitch.

“Rickie Lambert is an excellent role model and a great example of what can be achieved if you put your mind to it,” the Minstermen chief stressed. “He got a knock-back early in his career but, then, went about his business in the lower leagues doing what he does best, which is scoring goals.

“That has helped him bounce forward into the Premier League and now into the England squad and I am delighted for him. His goal for England was absolutely superb and he could have had two or three.

“The game of football throws so many ups and downs at you but with two words – hard work – you can make your way to the top. All the top players put so much energy and effort into every match, even if that means during three games in a week.

“Recuperation away from the club is also very important, as I keep telling my players. You have to be ready for the next game and that’s all about how you rest and recover.”

Lambert’s tale is also another illustration of Worthington’s willingness to give youth a chance.

As well as handing the likes of past and present Minstermen Clarke Carlisle, Josh Carson and Ryan Jarvis their first tastes of senior football as teenagers, he has entrusted the likes of Platt and Tom Allan with men’s jobs during his brief reign at Bootham Crescent. He recently named second- year apprentice Harry Coates as a substitute.

Worthington said: “I always like to see them doing well and, if I can play a small part in anybody’s career to get them on the move and push them forward, I will do. I love to see young players develop, mature and grow.”

Anybody despairing at the standard of England’s next generation of footballers, meanwhile, following this summer’s miserable showing at the European Under-21 Championships might be encouraged by the thoughts of City’s onloan ’keeper Chris Kettings.

Kettings watched from the bench at Bramall Lane as his Scotland U21 team-mates were thrashed 6-0 by their England counterparts just 24 hours before Lambert’s strike.

From his pitchside vantage point, Kettings was impressed by the standard of the aspiring Three Lions team with Norwich striker Nathan Redmond and midfield pair Jonjo Shelvey and Ross Barkley, of Swansea and Everton respectively, particularly catching the eye.

The City understudy said: “The first half was even but there was a big gulf after the break. I thought Shelvey, Barkley and Redmond were the three best players and I think a few that played will be making the step up to the full squad during the next year or so.”