Birmingham City defender Scott Dann is pleased with his Premier League progress

Dec 8 2010 by Gregg Evans, Birmingham Mail

SCOTT Dann has progressed from Premier League rookie to an England hopeful in the 18 months he has been at St Andrew’s.

The 23-year-old defender excelled in his first top-flight season last year and has continued to impress as the current campaign approaches the half-way point.

Alex McLeish took him out of the Championship when he paid Coventry City £3.5 million for his services in June 2009.

It was a big gamble along with the £5 million capture of Roger Johnson, who was also un-proven at Premier League level.

But it was a gamble that paid off as the pair immediately settled in and developed a solid understanding.

When Dann departed from the Ricoh Arena, manager at the time Chris Coleman said he needed at least another season in the Championship.

But the Scouser has proved to his old boss that he was more than ready for the step up.

“When a young lad does step up from the Championship to the Premier League it is slightly risky and I think he was saying that I needed an extra six to 12 months in the league, so I’d be more ready,” said Dann.

“But I was so determined when I got the chance to make sure I took it with both hands and showed everyone what I can do.

“Hopefully I’m on my way to doing that now.

“Everyone’s got their own opinions but Chris was brilliant for me and a good manager.