JIMMY Bullard was on cloud nine on his return from a week away with England - but he says he won't be obsessing about making the next international squad.

Bullard earned his first callup for the opening World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia but didn't earn a first cap in the end.

And with Steven Gerrard likely to return after injury for next month's matches against Kazakhstan and Belarus, Bullard's slim chance of playing may have gone.

But whether or not he remains in Fabio Capello's plans, the Fulham midfielder says he won't be having sleepless nights about it.

"It was an unbelievable experience. I had an awesome 10 days and I just enjoyed every minute of it," Bullard told the Gazette.

"Sometimes you look at yourself wearing the suit or you've got your tracksuit on and it makes you look twice at yourself.

"But I've not even thought about making next month's squad.

"I've come back to training at Fulham and that's all I've been thinking about. I've given full concentration to that.

"It's weird that you come back and get straight back into Premier League mode and I was just gagging for a game."

Bullard continued: "He [Capello] doesn't say anything afterwards. He just shakes your hand, gives you an 'all the best' and leaves it in your court to go and impress. At least I know I gave 100 per cent every time I stepped onto that training ground.

"My first cap didn't happen but it's my first time in the squad and it's an honour to be called up for your country, so there's no moaning from our side there!

"Yes, there was a little bit of disappointment that I didn't play, but at the same time, it was awesome just to be involved."

Talking about the moment he learned of his call-up, Bullard said: "I got a phone call from [club secretary] Darren Preston at the club which I didn't believe.

"I thought 'No, you've got the wrong bloke!' But he said 'I wouldn't do that to you, it's more than my job's worth'.

"The kit's been washed and it's hanging up and will be framed, definitely. I've got a great shirt with my name on it that all the boys signed.

"That will never go on ebay, that will be with me until I die."

Bullard received a hero's welcome at Craven Cottage during Saturday's win over Bolton: "The fans were just unbelievable," he said. "Every time I went to kicked the ball or went to take a corner, it was a standing ovation and that's what football's about.

"If you can put smiles on faces and get people's backsides off seats, it's awesome."

But for once, the chirpy midfielder was not the main man on the pitch.

That accolade went to Bobby Zomora, who blasted in a superb second after wriggling around two defenders on the edge of the box to create space for the shot.

And what a foil Andy Johnson promises to be for him.

The former Everton striker received a standing ovation from appreciative home fans when he was substituted after a debut that was full of energy and promise.

One move involving the strike pair ended with Zamora sending a diving header goalwards and there was a potency that has simply not been there in recent seasons.

The 2-1 scoreline was a travesty because the Whites were so dominant and there is just no comparison with this time last season, when Lawrie Sanchez was pinning his hopes on Diomansy Kamara and David Healy up front.

"I think it's going to be a great partnership because Johnson is a very, very fast player and Bobby Zamora is very strong," said Zoltan Gera, who swept in the first goal in Saturday's win.

"It makes it easier for me in midfield because they read the game very well.

"They give you the choice of short balls and long balls."

Bullard said: "I think you can see for yourselves how we are compared to a year ago. We played some great stuff today.

"We were competitive and didn't have a weak point today, I feel. We were strong in the tackle, we were quick, we were first to the ball and attacking and defending with great numbers.

"We had everything today. They scored with 10 minutes to go but we were strong enough to hold on.

"But the gaffer keeps us grounded. He's tops at that. He says you've got to treat every game like that and get a winning mentality back at this club."

Bullard added: "We've had three wins in a row and we want to keep it going.

"We're out to take this form into our away games too. I thought we were unlucky at Hull on the opening day and it could have been a great start with three wins out of three but it wasn't to be."

Match Summary FULHAM (2) 2 BOLTONWS (0) 1 Line-up: Schwarzer; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Davies, Bullard, Murphy, Gera; Johnson (Seol 75), Zamora (Nevland 75). Subs not used: Zuberbuhler, Andranik, Stoor, Dempsey, Kallio. Att: 23,656 GOALS: Gera (15), Zamora (42), Davies (82).

MoM: Bobby Zamora