Source: SKY_Sports
Green ready to plug gap
Robert Green insists he is ready make his first competitive appearance for England if called upon by manager Fabio Capello.
England are short of goalkeeping options for next month's World Cup qualifying double header against Kazakhstan and Andorra with a number of shot-stoppers out of action.
David James, Ben Foster and Chris Kirkland are all sidelined, meaning Green is one of the leading contenders to add to his two caps along with the likes of Scott Carson and former No.1 Paul Robinson.
Green knows he has an excellent chance of getting the nod from Capello following a fine season for West Ham, although he is taking nothing for granted and is not getting carried away by the prospect of filling in.
Long in the tooth
"As soon as Jamo was out I knew people would be looking around for a name but I'm a bit too long in the tooth to get carried away," he told The Independent.
"One thing I've learnt about the new manager (Fabio Capello) is he does not take any notice of anyone else, he is his own man.
"But I will be turning up - assuming I am picked - and will prepare to play, as I do every time."
Paid tribute
Green has paid tribute to West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola for his fine season, saying his man-management style has filled all the players at Upton Park with confidence.
"He has instilled confidence in everyone," he continued. "As a goalkeeper you are reactive to what happens in front of you.
"If the defence play well that rubs off on you and vice versa. The defence has been largely unchanged, which helps, so does the fact we play out from the back more.
"The manager has encouraged us to 'play football' and it's been a joy for everyone."
