IT is a common misconception that Tal Ben Haim is the regular captain of the Israeli national team.

For all his talent and the fact that he is making a big name for himself in the Premiership, he is just 22 and still one of the youngest members of a squad that boasts players with far more international experience.

Nevertheless, the talented young Wanderer is regarded by many as one of the most influential characters in a team that is fast emerging from the shadows of European football and making a nuisance of itself in the World Cup.

For Macabbi Haifa defender, Arik Banado, has the distinction of leading the team into battle and Yossi Benayound, the gifted Racing Santander playmaker, is considered their star player, Ben Haim is regarded as Israel's inspiration.

Ze'ev Zeltzer, a member of the Israeli backroom staff preparing for crunch qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday and France next Wednesday, waxes lyrical about the Bolton man's contribution to the national side.

"Tal Ben Haim is the spirit of Israel's defence, and on the pitch it seems as if he's the team's captain," said the former Israel international.

"The players listen to him and don't argue. That's a sign of his new found status and quite an achievement in a team that stars Yossi Benayound, Idan Tal and Avi Nimni."

Ben Haim might still be a rookie in Premiership terms but he has matured quickly since joining Wanderers from Maccabi Tel Aviv last August.

Sam Allardyce saw him as one for the future but he has established himself as the man of the moment since stepping in for the injured Radhi Jaidi and forging a formidable partnership with Bruno N'Gotty at the heart of the Whites' defence.

Now Israel are reaping the benefits.

"He used to be very physical, but he has slowly improved various aspects of his game," Zeltser said. "Tal has become a leader at the back and does a good job guiding the players at his side.

"You can see he has all the characteristics of a centre back. He plays with a lot of confidence and vision, he doesn't make unnecessary fouls and his teammates have confidence in him."

At this stage of his career, Ben Haim cannot see himself playing for any other club but Bolton, yet Israel's assistant coach Moshe Sinai reckons Wanderers will do well to keep him.

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To become a permanent fixture in Bolton's starting XI and to play against big names like Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea says it all," Sinai said.

"He'll make one of Europe's big clubs," says Sinai.

"There isn't a single Israeli player who puts as much effort as Ben Haim in training. Every training session is another step on the road to the top for him."

Ben Haim is certainly a dedicated and determined young man.

On Saturday, after featuring impressively in Wanderers 1-0 win over Norwich, he was in no hurry to get home.

Before catching a flight to Israel, he dropped in to the club's gym to get in an extra hour's workout and on Monday, before training with the national squad, he found time for some fitness training on the beach.

Although new to English football and, by his own admission, learning all the time from the likes of N'Gotty and the legendary Fernando Hierro, he has taken his promotion to Premiership regular in his stride.

"I said from the beginning that I just needed a few games," he said. "It is not easy coming from another country but, after one, two or three games, I felt like I had been here five or six years. I feel more comfortable with every game I play.

"I feel very good in the team. All the players and staff have helped me a lot and I have a great feeling here at Bolton.

"Bruno is one of the best defenders in England and we connect very well, while Fernando speaks to me a lot and helps me all the time. I'm so grateful to play with such experienced players and it's great to have such wonderful fans pushing us on. You can feel the atmosphere out there."

Ben Haim believes success in the World Cup qualifiers Israel go into the Easter games level on points with Ireland and France at the top of Group Four could help other young Israeli players get big time breaks.

But, for the moment, his main concern is helping Wanderers secure a place in Europe.

"If we continue how we are playing at the moment, I see no reason why we shouldn't," he said.

"We have a very tough game coming up at Liverpool next week but we will prepare for it well and I see no reason why we should not do well there. "