Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Marc Albrighton tipped for England
Thursday 16th December 2010, 4:00PM GMT.
Villa’s Stewart Downing has tipped fellow winger Marc Albrighton to receive a call-up to the full England squad.
Downing has won 23 caps for the national side since making his debut at Villa Park against Holland in February 2005, while still on the books of Middlesbrough.
Having been a part of Fabio Capello’s squad, the 26-year-old is confident that Albrighton is producing the kind of performances that will catch the eye of the Italian coach.
Albrighton recently spent a three-week spell on the sidelines after an appendix operation but recaptured his impressive early-season form with a fine display against Albion on Saturday.
Villa face high-profile clashes with Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea over the Christmas period and Capello is likely to take the opportunity to watch Villa’s English contingent in action.
And Downing believes if the 21-year-old continues to perform at his current level he could even get his first England call-up for the friendly international against Denmark on February 9
He said: “Marc is a good kid who listens and learns. I am sure the way he is playing England won’t be too far away. He is learning all the time and getting better and better.
“When he whips balls in it is hard for defenders, as you saw against West Brom.
“I try to help him in games when it is getting tough because I got help when I was younger.”
Albrighton also has a ringing endorsement from manager Gerard Houllier, who is encouraged by the youngster’s ambition, drive and work-rate.
The Villa boss said: “We missed Marc while he was out of the team. What I like about him is that he works hard, takes risk, takes the initiative, and I will always encourage that.
“With a young player, sometimes you have got to push him.”
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