Reading Football Club News

• Nickname:Royals
• Founded:1871
• Manager:Brian McDermott

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Coppell backs Shorey claims

16 Mar 2007 - 08:36:43

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Reading boss Steve Coppell has backed Royals left-back Nicky Shorey for promotion into the England national team set-up.

England coach Steve McClaren is without the suspended Ashley Cole and the injured Wayne Bridge for the Euro 2008 qualifier with Israel and Coppell believes that Shorey could be the man to fill the gap.

He said: "Often in the season you get managers making claims about players who should be here, there and everywhere and are capable of doing this and that.

"But I think his performances have spoken for themselves and I believe that if he was given his opportunity, he would show how good he can be.

"He could well be one of those players who are better players on the international stage because he is such a good passer.

"It was a shame that for the last squad he wasn't called in to show what he can do, if only in training. He is a good player who is getting better and of an age where he has room to improve."

Shorey joined the Royals just over six years ago from Leyton Orient and has proved to be an exceptional bargain, costing Reading a mere £25,000.