International star: James Tindall in action for England against Belgium Hamish Blair/Getty Images
At 16, James Tindall was told he would never walk again. Eight years and 64 England caps later, the prolific striker is hockey's equivalent of Wayne Rooney.
But it would take Tindall, who lives with his parents in Virginia Water and works on a building side, 10 years to earn Rooney's weekly wage.
However, he has earned something the Manchester United star can't - a place at the Beijing Olympics.
The 24-year-old returned from last month's qualifiers in Chile having scored five goals for Great Britain and with a gold medal around his neck.
"I had to choose a career or hockey and it was a decision of love over financial gain," said Tindall.
"I had to take time off for the Commonwealth Games and World Cup qualifiers, but NatWest his employer would not let me have unpaid leave, so I quit.
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"I knew the sport was never going to make me rich, but it can be frustrating.
"But, then, not everyone gets to play for their country - and I am beating Rooney on caps."
Tindall won the U16 indoor national title while at St George's College, in Weybridge. but then went into hospital for a knee operation and contracted an infection that left doctors doubting whether he would walk again.
Tindall. said: "My knee got infected and it spread through the blood.
"My leg swelled up so much it was the same width all along. It was pretty scary."
It was two years before Tindall played hockey again, but he built a reputation as a goalscorer for Old Georgians before joining Premier League side Surbiton.
Tindall's first international recognition came at U21 level and he is now a regular for England and Great Britain.
But the demands of training make it nearly impossible to hold down a full-time job.
"Guys have given up because of the clash in commitments - although we get funding, it is really not enough."
Tindall hopes more funding may come players' way now they have qualified for this summer's Beijing Games.
"Fingers crossed I will be in the squad," he said. "We are going to Beijing to win. I really we think we can surprise
everyone and do it."
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