Venables hints at Parker (or Nolan) call-up

[Paul 0]

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=4...at+Owen+options

 

England assistant coach Terry Venables has hinted that Kevin Nolan and Scott Parker could be in with a chance of replacing Owen Hargreaves in the Three Lions squad.

 

The Bayern Munich midfielder will miss the upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Macedonia and Croatia after breaking his leg whilst playing for his club, bringing an end to a period in which he has excelled for the national side and transformed perceptions of his value to the team.

 

Some commentators have speculated that his absence, coupled with Aaron Lennon's injury, could lead to a recall for erstwhile captain David Beckham, but head coach Steve McClaren was a number of options at his disposal.

 

In terms of a like-for-like holding player, Venables says England already have a number of potential 'plan b's' within their current squad.

 

However McClaren's right hand man also admitted that Parker and Nolan, captains of Newcastle and Bolton respectively, have been catching the eye.

 

"Who gets his job? It is too early to say," Venables wrote in his column in the News of the World.

 

"The crux of the matter is that we have more options than people think.

 

"Michael Carrick has performed well in central midfield for England in the past and operates in a similar way to Owen.

 

"Jermaine Jenas has had fewer opportunities but could certainly do the job while Phil Neville has been outstanding for Everton.

 

"Ledley King and Jamie Carragher have briefly stepped up from defence to supplement England's midfield and, if work is put in during training, should not be scored of doing so again.

 

"Then there are players who have yet to break into the England team but impress for their clubs like Newcastle's Scott Parker and Kevin Nolan of Bolton."

 

Nolan is certainly hopeful of getting the call from McClaren after being completely overlooked by his predecessor Sven Goran Eriksson despite impressing frequently last season.

 

The Trotters skipper says he feels sorry for the stricken Hargreaves, but is determined to take any chance that may come his way with both hands.

 

"I feel really sorry for Owen, it's a nasty thing to happen to anyone, and came when he was really starting to make his mark in an England team," said Nolan.

 

"But that can sometimes open the door for other players and it would be nice if I could get the call.

 

"I'll just try to concentrate on Bolton and if I'm doing really well here I know Steve McClaren will give me a chance.

 

"It's not extra pressure, it's nice to know he is keeping an eye on me, something the previous manager didn't do.

 

"It gave me a bit of a boost when I heard and hopefully if I can keep at my best for Bolton then the call will come."

[JJ 0]

Parker deserves a chance in the squad at least. Good luck to him.

[sweetleftpeg 0]

He'll pick Nolan. Parker might be in better form, but that's not stopping Jenas getting in the England squad is it?

[TheInspiration 1]

Nolan has done nothing this season. And I'm yet to see any evidence that Jenas has done anything to warrant a place in the squad.

[Guest Patrokles]

You would think that the number of times he's watched Parker recently, and the fact that Parker's been putting on good displays during this time suggests that he's in pole-position.