Source: Team_Talk
Grant backs Green for England recall
West Ham manager Avram Grant has urged Fabio Capello to recall Robert Green for England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.[LNB] Green's hopes of being Capello's number one throughout the World Cup were dashed in England's opener against the United States, where his bungled attempt to save Clint Dempsey's shot cost the team victory.[LNB]A series of shaky performances for West Ham, and a hip injury, have meant that the former Norwich goalkeeper has not played for his country since.[LNB]Last week's excellent performance against Tottenham, which was followed by a defiant gesture towards his critics in the press box, may well have put him back in Capello's thoughts though as the Italian looks to make it three qualifying wins from three at Wembley a week on Tuesday.[LNB]Green's display at Upton Park last weekend has left Grant with no doubt the 30-year-old deserves to be given a recall when Capello names his squad on Monday afternoon.[LNB]"He is one of the best goalkeepers in the country," Grant said.[LNB]"Nothing has changed. He was good last year, he is good this year.[LNB]"This week in training he was very good but he is one of the best in England so he needs to be in the England squad in my opinion."[LNB]Matthew Upson is another West Ham player who will be waiting anxiously for a call from the England boss on Monday.[LNB]The centre-back, who shouldered a portion of the blame for England's defensive collapse against Germany, failed to make the bench for the wins over Switzerland and Bulgaria and was overlooked for the friendly against Hungary.[LNB]Reports had suggested Upson was considering his international future after falling behind the likes of Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill and Joleon Lescott in the pecking order, but Grant insists the 31-year-old is not retiring.[LNB]"He hasn't spoken to me about it (retiring). As far as I know he is available and wants to play for England," Grant said.[LNB]"I think any player that doesn't get in the 18 is not happy about it but I do not need to speak to him about this.[LNB]"I know that he was proud to be in the England squad and I think he needs to be in, he is one of the best defenders in England."[LNB]The optimistic tone in Grant's voice in his press conference this morning was in stark contrast to the pessimism which surrounded the club after they began their campaign with four successive defeats.[LNB]The Israeli has now challenged his team to build on their draw at Stoke and win over Spurs by beating Fulham tomorrow to help hoist the team further away from the foot of the Premier League table.[LNB]Grant said: "It was a good week for us and good to win. The feeling in the camp is good.[LNB]"You know how much last week meant to the fans, this was the most important derby for West Ham and now we have another derby. We won the most important one and now we want to continue winning."[LNB]The former Chelsea boss, who is likely to name an unchanged side tomorrow if Kieron Dyer recovers from illness, admits he is still under pressure and expects a tough match from Fulham despite their injury crisis and poor away record.[LNB]"Pressure is part of our game," said Grant.[LNB]"I don't see a game without pressure. Tomorrow we have a game against a team who hasn't lost yet so there is more pressure. There is always pressure on me."
