ONE of the men who helped set Marvin Sordell on his way to the Olympics believes his London calling is just the first highlight of a glittering career.

Nick Cox, the head of Watford’s famed Fairfield youth academy, led the applause for the 20-year-old striker after he was picked by Stuart Pearce in an 18-man squad destined for the Games.

Having picked out Sordell as a 15-year-old shortly after his release by Fulham, Cox helped mould him into a player who eventually fetched £3million for the Hornets when Owen Coyle snapped him up on January transfer deadline day.

And while news of the Wanderers youngster’s inclusion in the Olympic squad came as a surprise to some, given his lack of chances at the end of last season – Cox insists his difficult start at Bolton won’t faze him at all.

“He’s a massive inspiration to our boys,” he said. “He was released by Fulham but showed a lot of character to progress, go out on loan, and then get his big break.

“It’s a great example to any young player that the journey to success is not necessarily an easy one.

“He’s had adversity, he’s had to put up with a bit of stick, but he’s got on with it.

“People perhaps forget what a young lad he is, but we’re proud of him here and I think he’ll go on to have a great career.”

Sordell’s path to the Olympics has been eventful.

He dabbled as a goalkeeper in youth football before signing as a scholar at Craven Cottage.

But after being told he was surplus to requirements in West London, the 15-year-old striker then took part in an open trial, impressing the Watford scouts enough to be offered a deal.

He signed professional terms in April, 2009, then went on work experience with non- league Wealdstone before finding himself propelled into the Watford first team.

Sordell scored his first professional goal for Watford in a Carling Cup defeat at Leeds United in August 2009 and also had a spell on loan at Tranmere before becoming a regular under Sean Dyche, who was yesterday removed from the post of manager by the club’s new owners.

Sordell acknowledged the debt he owed to Dyche, pictured, writing on his Twitter account: “Can’t believe that Sean Dyche has been sacked by Watford. They’ve lost a very talented manager. Played a massive part in my career to date . . .

“And without him I doubt I’d be in the position I am now.”

Sordell went on to hit double figures in two successive seasons before plumping for Bolton ahead of Cardiff City and West Ham.

And though Wanderers fans have yet to see enough of the England Under-21 international to form a realistic opinion – Cox reckons they will see the best of him this season.

“He’s got experience of the Championship and it’ll be interesting to see what kind of reception he gets here when he comes back – I’m sure it’ll be a good one,” he said.

“In reality he’s still learning his trade and has only really had two full seasons behind him.

“But he has got a good head on his shoulders. Marvin is a real thinker and he’ll do just fine for himself.”