THE ONE CAP WONDERS: PART 1 


Their backgrounds, careers, post careers and hobbies vary. But one thing these Footballers all have in common, is they hold the proud distinction of representing their country at International level. Even if it was only for a day. Here is a list of some of the most memorable one cap wonders.

 ESTEBAN FUERTES:

A real Football Journeyman, Fuertes played across many clubs in Argentina throughout the 1990's before making the big move to England in 1999. Signed by then Derby County Manager Jim Smith,  Fuertes’ English Premier League career came to an almost immediate halt after British Customs officials found his Italian Passport was forged. This forced Smith to sell Fuertes to French Club Lens, where the Argentine stayed for no more than a year. After spending a year in Spain, Fuertes returned to his native Argentina in 2002. He was handed his first and only cap in 2009 by then Argentine coach Diego Maradona. The selection was unique as, not only was he the oldest debutant for the National team at age 36, but the starting 11 team was comprised of players from the Argentine League. Fuertes retired from the game in June 2012 and, in true fashion, scored a double in his final match.

2) JOEY BARTON:

 












What can’t be said about this guy that’s already been said. Rough around the edges, Hot headed, Red Card King. All of these things have surely limited the Ex Manchester City man from receving further call ups to the National team. He was handed his sole cap for England back in 2007 during a friendly match against Spain. But he will perhaps be remembered as the player who would constantly court controversy. In 2005, his Brother Michael was sentenced to life in prison for the racially motivated murder of Anthony Walker. Joey was praised for having helped turn his brother in to  the Police over the vicious and heinous crime. Barton received a 12 match suspension on the final day of the 2011/12 FA Premier League season following a Red Card offence which saw him lash out at Manchester City player Sergio Aguero. This incident also involved kicks and headbutts to Manchester City teammates, of which the FA was not happy about. Now playing in France, only time will tell what the future holds for Joey Barton.

3) FRANCIS JEFFERS:














A product of the Everton Youth System, Jeffers made his Senior debut for the Toffees on December 26 1997, at the age of 16 years and 11 months which (at that time) made him the youngest player to debut for Everton. Jeffers' good form attracted the attention of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and in the Summer of 2001, he was signed by the club for a fee of 8 Million pounds (one of the most expensive Arsenal signings at that time). Injury and irregular First team appearances meant the young Jeffers would see most of the action from the dugout. Though he did manage to receive a call up from Sven Goran Eriksson in February 2003 for a Friendly match against Australia. Although England lost the match 3-1, Jeffers still managed to find the back of the net. The only comfort in an embarrasing match for the England team and it’s supporters. The last 8 years has seen Jeffers drift down in to the Lower Leagues, playing for clubs like Charlton Athletic, Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday. This was followed by a 2 year stint in Australia, where the Liverpudlian failed to live up to the hype. He was recently (as of October 2012) in Malta playing for Floriana F.C. Jeffers left the club after 1 goal in 2 matches after the club couldn’t afford to pay him anymore. Jeffers has recently stated the Maltese League was the worst he’s ever played in. Despite the downfall of one of England’s most promising young strikers way back when, no one can take away his 100% Goal scoring record for the national team. Even if it was only achieved in one match.

Written by Alex Stilianos.