Blackburn Rovers Football Club News

• Nickname:Rovers
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Steve Kean

• Ground:Ewood Park
• Capacity:31,367

Bentley backed for England

31 Dec 2007 - 10:09:36

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Blackburn Rovers forward David Bentley has been backed for a starting spot in the England team by his club manager Mark Hughes.

Bentley netted the winning goal in the 2-1 victory at Derby County on Sunday to take his season's tally to seven, with Hughes full of praise for the 23-year-old former Arsenal wideman.

He commented: "David was excellent. Not only did he show his ability, he worked extremely hard for the team.

"He was one of our main players and hopefully his form will grab the attention of the people in charge of England.

"David is good enough to be a top international player, he just needs a chance to prove it.

"We would like him to be in England sides, not just squads, but that is down to the people concerned and David to continue in that form."

Hughes was also impressed by another fine display by Roque Santa Cruz, who has now scored 14 goals in 25 appearances for Rovers.

"Roque has been a great addition," Hughes added. "When we bought him points were made about his fitness levels and whether he would be able to score in the Premier League.

"His record was not that great, but there were reasons behind it. He had been in and out of the (Bayern Munich) team.

"Now he is having a run of games and is benefiting from that."