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Martinez: Darren Can Play For England
Martinez: Darren Can Play For England
Sunday, 26th Apr 2009 08:24

Roberto Martinez believes Darren Pratley should ignore Jamaica and look for an England place instead

The Swansea City midfielder has been named in the Jamaican squad for the Gold Cup in July.   The call up is a result of him being named in the squad for the first time in February - a date with Nigeria that he had to miss out on through injury.

But Roberto believes that - at the age of 24 - Pratley should ignore Jamaica and wait for the chance to play for England.He told News of the World "If he decided to go with Jamaica I will support him 100 per cent.

"But Darren has only just turned 24 and I think he's too young to say no to England.   If he was 30 then I would say he needs to take this chance to play international football and go to Jamaica."But he's still a young man, he's still developing and still getting better.

"When Darren masters what he's good at there won't be many midfield players in the Premier League who will be as good as him.   He has to decide which country he wants to join and he has to listen to his heart."When he does that he mustn't think he cannot ever break into the England squad.   I will speak to Darren and tell him he has the potential to wear the England shirt.

"For Darren to break into the England set-up he has to be playing in the Premier League - and playing well.   But we're looking to get into the Premier League over the next two years and I think we'll surprise a lot of people when we get there.

"Darren will be a pivotal player for us and he will have as good a chance as anyone at breaking into the England squad.   He's a modest character so he will never say he's waiting for an England call.

"But as his manager I need to tell him that it's possible because of his age.  He might thing England is a step too far and that's normal.  The way I see it if Swansea keeps growing as a club then it could all happen at the right time for Darren.  I look at the midfielders in the Premier League and there aren't many who can do what he does.

"He's a box-to-box player with great energy and a winning mentality.   He's also come a long way on the tactical side.  If he carries on improving tactically then he will play at the top level."

 

Photo: Action Images



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