Fabrice Muamba hoping to follow James Milner and Tom Huddlestone into senior England squad

14 November 2009 14:44
England under-21s midfielder Fabrice Muamba is not jealous of men such as James Milner and Tom Huddlestone - even though they have left behind Stuart Pearce's squad and joined up with the first team squad. [LNB]Muamba faces Portugal Under 21s at Wembley on Saturday afternoon, while Milner and Huddlestone will turn their attentions to facing Brazil in Doha.[LNB]International recognition: Muamba[LNB]Instead of feeling frustration at a lack of progress, Muamba says he has watched with admiration as his fellow midfielders have made the difficult step up from Under 21 level to Fabio Capello's squad. He feels that the qualifier against the Portuguese on Saturday is a chance to follow in their footsteps -  and an education in handling the unique atmosphere of Wembley.[LNB]Muamba, who began his career at Arsenal, has been a regular for Bolton in the Barclays Premier League this season following a £5million move from Birmingham in summer 2008. Now the Congo-born 21-year-old is turning his attentions to international recognition. [LNB]Speaking to the press about the players promoted from the Under 21s, after a rain-soaked Wembley training session on Friday, Muamba said: 'They've done extremely well regarding their club football and they deserve to be in there. Football is all about timing and if you're doing well then I'm sure Mr Capello is willing to give anyone a chance.[LNB]'The boys in the changing room will be looking at those boys and how well they've done and think they've got a chance. Everybody is looking forward to Saturday. It's a great occasion, great stadium and the boys will be up for the game. I enjoyed the last time and today there's a buzz just coming here to train so Saturday I'm sure will be even more important for us.[LNB]'Being able to get used to playing at this stadium is important and, when you're ready for ther seniors, you'll be able to handle the atmosphere. It's a big stadium and a big pitch, so it's quite a good learning curve for the boys.' McClaren masterclass: Stuart Pearce takes coaching tips from Erevisie-topper SteveNedum Onuoha puts decision on hold as Manchester City defender remains torn between England and Nigeria[LNB]  Explore more:People:Stuart Pearce, Fabio Capello, Fabrice Muamba, James Milner, Tom HuddlestonePlaces:Birmingham, United Kingdom, Brazil

Source: Daily_Mail