Stewart: Fab must give Gary his chance (From The Bolton News)

Stewart: Fab must give Gary his chance

8:40am Friday 3rd September 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

SANDY Stewart has urged Fabio Capello to give Gary Cahill his first England cap at Wembley tonight.

The Wanderers assistant boss, pictured, reckons the 24-year-old centre-half has done enough to nudge ahead of Michael Dawson and Phil Jagielka in the reckoning to earn a starting place against Bulgaria in the opening European Championship qualifier.

Cahill was left frustrated after sitting out last month’s friendly against Hungary, where Capello started the game with John Terry and Jagielka as his centre-back pairing, before introducing Dawson as a second-half substitute.

But with Terry ruled out of tonight’s game with a hamstring injury, and Jagielka also a doubt with an ankle problem, Stewart hopes this can be Cahill’s chance to shine.

“He is disappointed not to have been involved so far, especially in the last game,” he said.

“His form at the end of last season was good, but I thought against West Ham and Birmingham he was tremendous, so I’d say he’s in a very good position right now.

“Obviously we see Gary play more than Phil Jagielka, Michael Dawson, Matthew Upson or Joleon Lescott, so we’re bound to side with him.

“But my honest opinion is that there is no better centre-half in England at the moment.”

Owen Coyle was left fuming by Cahill’s last exclusion, the youngster’s fifth fruitless trip under Capello.

But Stewart thinks it is only a matter of when, and not if, the former Aston Villa man breaks his international duck.

“It might be a bit frustrating for Gary but the thing is, Fabio Capello has brought him into the squad for a reason,” he said.

“He sees something in him, and all he needs now is that opportunity. When he gets it, he will grab it with both hands, I’m sure of that.”

Stewart confirmed that Johan Elmander has joined up with the Sweden squad for their qualifiers against Hungary and San Marino, despite limping off the field in Wanderers’ 2-2 draw with Birmingham City on Sunday.

Six other players have also reported for international duty, including Martin Petrov - who will be hoping to face off against Cahill for Bulgaria at Wembley, Gretar Steinsson, Sam Ricketts, Tamir Cohen, Chung-Yong Lee and Fabrice Muamba.