Source: Northern_Echo
Turner not fazed by England call-up talk
SUNDERLAND centre-half Michael Turner will not let talk of a potential England call-up distract him from becoming an even more accomplished defender next season.[LNB] The 26-year-old reflected on a memorable campaign that began with him playing at the heart of the Hull City defence and is ending with his Black Cats' team-mates pushing for him to be considered for international honours.[LNB] Fabio Capello's assistant Franco Baldini was at the Stadium of Light on Sunday with 25-goal striker Darren Bent the main object of the Italian's attentions.[LNB] But Turner is among a group of central defenders thought to be on the radar of the England boss who continues to monitor the emerging group of players hopeful of securing a place in the 2012 European Championships squad.[LNB] The unassuming Londoner is reluctant to push his name to the fore but was happy to note that fellow Black Cats defenders were hailing his displays in Sunderland colours.[LNB] It is flattering to hear people talking about me as an England player, he said.[LNB] John Mensah is an international himself so when he says I can play at that level, it means a lot. It was very nice of him, but I'm just looking forward to having a break, getting back next year and progressing again.[LNB] It could be something that happens, you never know. I'm just trying to improve myself and looking at the areas of my game that I need to work on.[LNB] There are a lot of good English players in my position so I don't know what is going to happen. I'll just keep trying to play well for Sunderland and if I do get in there I'll be delighted.[LNB] I do find it difficult to talk about international football. I don't want to get ahead of myself.[LNB] There have been a few times people have said I've got a chance and that's really nice, but I just want to get my head down and keep playing well here. I hope the best is yet to come from me. I'm 26 so hopefully over the next few years I'll be at my peak.[LNB] Meanwhile, Steve Bruce will be without midfielder Lee Cattermole for Sunday's game at Wolves after he dislocated a shoulder.[LNB] Cattermole, 22, who suffered the setback in training yesterday, has been plagued by injuries since moving to the Stadium of Light from Wigan for £6m last August.[LNB] Bruce said: Lee looks as though he's dislocated his shoulder, it's been a horrific time.[LNB] It was an innocuous challenge.[LNB] We are waiting on reports.[LNB] We will know more in 24 hours or so when we can let the supporters know exactly what's going on.[LNB] Meanwhile, Bruce is bracing himself for reports from a specialist later this week that will reveal the full extent of David Meyler's damaged knee ligaments.[LNB] The Republic of Ireland international was stretcheredoff in the first half of Sunday's defeat to Manchester United after rupturing the cruciate in his right knee. The 20-year-old faces months on the sidelines and seems certain to miss the start of next season.[LNB] But Bruce expects to have Craig Gordon available for pre-season training after it was revealed the Scotland number one is set for surgery to remove a metal plate from his arm inserted after his clash with Spurs' Jermain Defoe last November.[LNB]
