Source: Team_Talk
Bruce believes Becks could bounce back
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce would not be surprised to see David Beckham return to the England squad at some point in the future.[LNB] Ahead of last night's Wembley friendly against Hungary, England boss Fabio Capello said the 35-year-old, who has 115 caps, was probably too old to be involved in competitive games again, although he is intending to pick him for one more friendly.[LNB]Bruce, who played with Beckham at Manchester United during the early part of the midfielder's career, hailed his achievements for club and country.[LNB]"In all the hullabaloo that goes with him, sometimes it gets lost that he is an absolutely fantastic football player," said Bruce. "I still wouldn't write him off yet and I wish him well.[LNB]"He's a decent lad and he's always been absolutely 100% dedicated to football. Whenever he pulled on a jersey there was a fantastic energy and enthusiasm about him.[LNB]"He's been one of the true great players of the modern era. David Beckham has been and done it and worn the T-shirt."[LNB]Bruce did not rule out trying to sign the Los Angeles Galaxy player, who is recovering from the Achilles injury that prevented him appearing at his fourth World Cup this summer, if the circumstances allowed for it.[LNB]Bruce added: "If he was fit and available, there's still always a place (for him)."[LNB]Capello, who has been under pressure following England's poor showing in South Africa, received more criticism after he admitted he had not told Beckham of his decision.[LNB]Bruce has some sympathy for the Italian, saying: "I think it's a communication problem and I think we witnessed that last night. It is difficult, it would be like us going to Italy. There's a whole different culture and we have to respect that.[LNB]"I believe it's the language barrier more than anything. As soon as I heard it last night, I thought, well is that the end for David? Whether he meant that, I don't know."[LNB]Beckham missed the World Cup through injury but ended up being part of the backroom staff in South Africa because of the influence he has over the current group of players.[LNB]He will seemingly play no part in England's Euro 2012 bid after Capello told ITV1: "I say thank you very much for helping me at the World Cup but probably he is a little bit old."[LNB]However, Beckham has stated through his agent that he "will always be available" to England.[LNB]Capello revealed that Beckham could be given one more chance to pull on the Three Lions shirt, most likely against France on November 17.[LNB]"He will play one friendly to say bye bye," Capello said.[LNB]Wigan manager Roberto Martinez claims Beckham has been under-appreciated and his true contribution to the game will not be recognised until he retires.[LNB]"I am just a romantic and I follow football and follow what he has achieved. He has been huge in many areas," said the Spaniard.[LNB]"Look at the way he has adapted going into different cultures and different football clubs and the way he won over the Real Madrid fans and then went to MLS and then Italy with AC Milan.[LNB]"He has been an amazing example and I don't think he is getting the right credit yet.[LNB]"When he retires, people will realise the footballer he was behind the brand of David Beckham and how he is such a mature character to be able to do that.[LNB]"But it is a moment to look back and acknowledge what has been a tremendous career for someone who has been an idol in many different cultures."[LNB]Like Bruce, Bolton manager Owen Coyle said he would never write off a player of Beckham's calibre.[LNB]Coyle said: "David Beckham has shown time and time again that he can bounce back whenever people have tried to knock him and shown an unbelievable mental strength, and a quality of play to go with it.[LNB]"Personally I would never, ever discount a player of that standard. I think he has been a terrific role model for English football.[LNB]"Coyle added: "I think, particularly in this era, he has been a shining light in English football.[LNB]"I know he has had trials and tribulations along the way, but that is one of the things that certainly I as a manager look at and love about him."
