Source: Team_Talk
Sparky backs Sam for England job
Fulham boss Mark Hughes believes Blackburn counterpart Sam Allardyce will be a strong candidate for the England job in two years' time.[LNB] Hughes will revisit the club he managed between 2004 and 2008 when the Cottagers travel to Rovers in the Premier League on Saturday.[LNB]Allardyce eventually succeeded Hughes in 2008 after Paul Ince's ill-fated reign had been brought to an early conclusion.[LNB]The Welshman admires Allardyce and believes he has a chance of replacing Fabio Capello when he steps down as England coach in 2012, but questions whether his tactics would suit the international stage.[LNB]Hughes said: "Sam's record in the Premier League stands comparison with any British, England or foreign manager at the level of the clubs he's been at.[LNB]"He's a successful Premier League manager and the view at this time is that England need an English manager.[LNB]"I also hold that view because it's important that a country is led by someone of the same nationality.[LNB]"Sam has made his mark in the Premier League, which is the strongest league in world football.[LNB]"If you can get positive results in this league you're a good manager.[LNB]"Whether the way Sam sets up his team lends itself to international management is a debate for another day.[LNB]"But certainly his record in terms of game won makes him a strong candidate."[LNB]Winger Damien Duff returns against his former club after recovering from a calf injury, but Fulham will be missing Bobby Zamora for at least five months.[LNB]The England striker suffered ankle ligament damage as well as a broken fibula in last Saturday's 2-1 win over Wolves.[LNB]"The operation showed there was ligament damage, which we hoped there wouldn't be. We're probably looking at five months plus," said Hughes.[LNB]"There's no concern over his ability to get back and play to the same level that he was at before the injury.[LNB]"To lose him for the length of time we are means other players will have to step up to the mark."
