Confident Muamba eyes England call

26 March 2010 13:11
The England Under-21 international is oozing confidence, to such an extent that last week he spoke of his desire of stepping up to full international level under Fabio Capello.[LNB]After playing alongside Gabriel Agbonlahor, James Milner and Joe Hart in last summer's European Championships, Muamba has watched them all progress and become senior England players.[LNB]The 21-year-old is naturally hoping his time will come, but for now his sole goal is on keeping Bolton in the Premier League.[LNB]And Muamba feels with Coyle at the helm, it has become a question of when and not if it happens, with Wanderers eight points clear of the relegation zone.[LNB]"We'll definitely stay up. Another two wins and we should be fine," was Muamba's forthright response when asked as to Bolton's chances.[LNB]"Since the gaffer has come in things have changed, and you can see the way we have been playing and the confidence in the team.[LNB]"That's credit to the manager and the staff, and hopefully we can continue this way for the rest of the season.[LNB]"I know I've enjoyed playing under him so far. I would say I've been in the best form of my career.[LNB]"That's down to the manager and the confidence he has instilled in me. I'm just so happy he is here."[LNB]Coyle has overseen a revival at the Reebok Stadium as Bolton were staring at the prospect of relegation under Gary Megson prior to his departure at the end of December.[LNB]In the 13 league matches since Coyle's arrival from Burnley, Bolton have kept five clean sheets after failing to manage even one under Megson in the first half of the season.[LNB]"It's the way he speaks to the players, the way he goes about his business as a manager, which is different to the previous regime," assessed Muamba.[LNB]"He talks to everybody, he gives them confidence, so when you get a chance you make sure you take it.[LNB]"I've been fortunate to play every game under him, and I now hope to carry on the way we have been playing, and finish higher than we did last year."[LNB]Bolton are currently 14th, in comparison to their 13th-placed spot of nearly a year ago, so progression is not beyond them.[LNB]Champions and current table-toppers Manchester United bar their way at the Reebok Stadium - but an undaunted Muamba feels victory is not beyond Bolton.[LNB]Coyle's side are unbeaten in their last six at home, conceding just the one goal, with Muamba adding: "We believe we can win.[LNB]"This game will be a real test as to how far we have come under Owen Coyle, but I'm sure we'll rise to the occasion.[LNB]"Since he came in we think we can beat anybody right now. We've got this mentality which we can take into the game to get a result.[LNB]"Manchester United might be on top of their game, but we're a Bolton team on top of our game at home.[LNB]"If we play the way we've been playing, we know we can give anybody a game on any given day."[LNB]The major test will be shackling Wayne Rooney, should he play as there are suggestions he may be rested due to a niggly knee injury.[LNB]With 33 goals this season, and 17 in his last 12 matches, Rooney already has Muamba's vote for player of the season.[LNB]"Not just me, if you ask any player in the Premier League they will tell you he's the player they fear the most this season," assessed Muamba.[LNB]"He's probably the best striker in the world right now. His work rate for the team and goals tally, it says everything about the guy and his personality.[LNB]"Hopefully on Saturday we can keep him quiet for 90 minutes."[LNB]Although Gary Cahill is poised to end his two-month injury lay-off, Coyle is without the suspended Gretar Steinsson, with five others on the treatment table in Stuart Holden, Chris Basham, Gavin McCann, Sean Davis and Joey O'Brien.[LNB][LNB] Rooney Specials. Click here to bet.  

Source: Team_Talk