Martin O'Neill says Aston Villa's Curtis Davies could still make England's World Cup squad
Feb 11 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail
MARTIN O’Neill has reassured Curtis Davies that time is on his side in his pursuit of a World Cup place in South Africa.
While five Villa players are in Fabio Capello’s squad for tonight’s friendly in Spain (Luke Young pulled out injured), Davies was left kicking his heels.
He was included in Capello’s first provisional squad against Switzerland a year ago and was also called up for the friendly in Berlin against Germany in November.
O’Neill believes the former Albion defender can reclaim his place.
“Fabio Capello has shown that if you have the talent he is prepared to have a look at you and I think that’s good news,” said O’Neill.
Steve Sidwell, Zat Knight and Craig Gardner will also be looking on with envy, a fact not lost on the Villa boss.
“My view would be that you have got to cement your place in the club team for a start before you start thinking about anything else,” he said.
“Their time will come. This is not a time to be musing over disappointments – far from it. You have got to keep going. This is an important time. Lots and lots and lots can happen in 18 months. The campaign will go right through until September or October time.
“That’s loads of time to impress – 18 months is an awfully long time in football.”
