Scott Carson’s call-up to the latest England squad is proof that international ambition can be achieved at West Bromwich Albion, according to manager Tony Mowbray.
And he believes the goalkeeper’s inclusion will serve as an inspiration for other Baggies’ players who harbour hopes of representing their countries.
If he plays, Carson will be the first Albion player to be capped by England since Steve Hunt played in a friendly against USSR in 1984, while Bryan Robson was the last from the club to feature in a competitive game, the infamous 1981 World Cup qualifier defeat to Norway.
Mowbray said: “Of course, I am pleased for Scott. It’s recognition for him and recognition for the club.
“He has done exceptionally well for us since he joined but let’s see how he goes.
“It’s good for him to be back amongst it and shows that if you play well you can get another opportunity at the top level.”
“We have got plenty internationals here [but those looking to play for major European footballing nations] like the Dutch lads and Jonas Olsson will get recognition from playing in the Premier League because of the quality in the division.
“As long as the team is doing okay in this league the managers of those internationals sides must look at the level of football they are playing at and that must put them in the frame, at least.”
One wonders how good Holland’s right back must be to deny Gianni Zuiverloon a starting berth.
For the record it is currently Khalid Boulahrouz, the Chelsea flop, who now plays in the Bundesliga for Stuttgart who are currently third.
Along with Zuiverloon, however, his good friend Ryan Donk and fellow Eridivisie newcomer Jonas Olsson are among those to have made striking first impressions in the Premier League.
“Sometimes with new signings it helps if they know each other and that has certainly helped in Gianni and Ryan’s case,” said Mowbray.
“They have been good friends for some time – Ryan even calls Gianni his younger brother and they live together at the moment, I believe, so it helps they have each other.
“Jonas is a very intelligent individual who is very focused.
“He realises that he is here to progress is career, that he is here to play football and the fact that he has taken his chance when it came for him through injury is a great credit to him.
“I think they are doing fine but it’s still early stages in their careers here,” said Mowbray.
“Let’s judge them over the season, or at least 20 games.
“They have started their careers at the club well and we need to make sure we keep their feet on the ground and keep on improving them.
“Somewhere along the line let’s hope they get recognition from their countries.”
