Marlon Harewood could celebrate his first League start for Villa tomorrow by becoming an international at the age of 27.
Harewood may earn a start in tomorrow’s visit of Blackburn after his heroic exploits at Anfield on Monday when he equalised and turned the match to rescue a point for Villa after coming from behind.
Boss Martin O’Neill has been delighted with his impact and revealed he has turned down several clubs who wanted to take the £4m summer signing.
“I’ve had a host of interest in him – I have to say I’m not aware of Stoke being one of them – but I’ve never had any intention of taking advantage of it. I want him here for us,” said O’Neill.
“He’s said he wants to play here and wants to fight for his chance here.
“So when I saw him on Monday holding the ball up, using all his strength, that was his reward for his perseverance.
“He’s never once moaned about not being in the team .”
The former West Ham man could pair John Carew if Gabriel Agbonlahor switches to the right at the expense of Craig Gardner.
Harewood’s dazzling impact could now win him an unexpected international call-up.
Barbados coach Eyre Sealy has spotted the striker was born on the Caribbean island and is planning to call him up for their two-legged World Cup qualifier with Dominica.
The Barbadian FA have put a lot of energy into tracing first generation Barbadians living and playing abroad and identified Harewood and Wigan’s 28-year-old defender Emerson Boyce.
2 Comments
On his day he’s a real handful for defenders, let’s hope if he starts on saturday that he repays the managers faith in him!!
Marlon didn’t have the best of starts, but his response anf attitude has been first class. He has earnt his chance.
Go and get ‘em!