Green states World Cup case

West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green has revealed his determination to be part of England's 2010 World Cup plans.


Green is a strong candidate to make his first start for his country in either Saturday's qualifier in Kazakhstan or the home match with Andorra on 10th June.

Injuries to David James and Ben Foster have played a large part in presenting the opportunity to Green - who wore gloves with 'England's number six' written on them at one point last season because he felt he had slipped so far down the pecking order.

But the Hammers keeper, who has made two substitute appearances for his country, has always retained belief in himself to make the breakthrough at international level.
TREMENDOUSLY WELL
He said: "The 'number six' gloves thing is ancient history now, or at least I thought it was until people started bringing it up this week.

"It was 18 months ago. It was just a gag started up by the West Ham fans, a light-hearted jibe, a bit of self-deprecation on my part.

"But I never seriously thought my England chance had gone. I'm still fairly young. I've not hit 30 yet.

"You look at someone like David James who has done tremendously well for his country and he is now in his late 30s.

"I've got nearly 10 years on him yet and he is still going strong. You've got to take stock of that and how well he has done and how strong he is looking and how he plays.

"You take encouragement from that - and hopefully between now and the time I'm 39 I'll hopefully get a chance!"

Green is competing with the recalled Paul Robinson and Scott Carson for a place but feels he is ready to stake his claim if given the call-up by Fabio Capello.

He said: "It is frustrating when you are not playing but it's part and parcel of being a goalkeeper. When you are 18, 19, 20 and you are not the first choice keeper at your club, then that is frustrating.

GROWING UP
"It's a similar thing with the national side. It's part of learning, growing up as a person and dealing with it. You always keep your belief and I feel I am ready.

"There is a step to be taken and you should never deny yourself that step up. I am very hopeful of getting my first start.

"I've looked and watched and taken part on a few occasions with the first team, and it is a tremendous honour to be there, but it feels like an opportunity is there to be taken.

"I've been involved in squads for the best part of 40-odd games and, each time you come away, you have learnt something from important games, massive games.

"The next step is obviously to play in them and, if I take part, I am more than ready for it."

Green believes the timing will be ideal for whoever is handed an opportunity by Capello.

"There is the chance to stake a claim for one of the three of us. Jamo (David James) needed his operation. The position has arisen from nowhere," he added.

"He took everyone by surprise in that he needed the surgery and it has left a hole in the team that needs to be filled.

"One of us is going to get the chance and there is such a great opportunity and a carrot at the end of it with the World Cup in a year's time.

"A lot can happen between now and then but one of us will be hoping to take that chance."

Green admitted: "I don't think I have reached my peak. There is more to be learnt and more to be improved on in my game.

"That is one of the great things about football. There is always time for improvement but I feel like I am ready to take the chance."