Friday Mar 31 2006 17:22
Fulham boss Chris Coleman has backed loan star Wayne Bridge to rediscover his best form and secure a place in England's World Cup finals squad.
The Chelsea left-back was sidelined for eight months after suffering a broken ankle in February 2005 and then found his first-team opportunities limited by the form of William Gallas and Asier Del Horno.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho recognised the lack of first-team action was damaging Bridge's international prospects and gave him permission to spend the second half of the season on loan at Fulham.
His progress at Craven Cottage has been hindered by ankle and hip injuries, but he is set to return to Fulham's starting line-up against Portsmouth on Saturday and Coleman is hopeful that will signal the start of a more successful spell for the 25-year-old.
"I've seen all the other left-backs in the league," said the Welshman.
"I know Ashley Cole, who is an excellent player, is coming back from injury but I see Wayne as one of the best left-backs.
"But what he needs is games. If he's back in the team until the end of the season that's all he needs.
"All he needs is to get through some 90 minutes, keep the standard up that's he's shown since he's been here and if he does that I'm convinced he'll be going to the World Cup.
"If it was me - and I'm not trying to tell anyone how to do their job, of course - he would be straight into the squad.
"All Wayne has to do is concentrate on his own game, not try to do anything too much and he'll get noticed anyway."
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