The French soccer federation launched its bid to host the 2016 European Championship. "We are now officially candidates to host the 2016 Euros and we launch the bid today", French federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes said during a news conference.
Remember that Italy's federation said last week it was also interested in hosting the 2016 championship after losing out to Poland and Ukraine for the 2012 tournament.
Britains Scotland and Wales abandoned plans for a joint bid due to the global economic downturn, but Sweden and Norway are said to be still considering a joint bid.
Although they lost against Argentina without inconvenience, France has won the last two major tournaments it hosted — the 1998 World Cup and 1984 Euro and they know that it is Nasri time!!!
3.02.2009
Italy to bid for Euro 2016
Italy will make a bid to host Euro 2016, Italian football federation (FIGC) president Giancarlo Abete said on Monday.
"Italy will present its declaration of interest for the 2016 European championships by (the deadline of) March 9," Abete told a news conference after a FIGC board meeting. He said the decision had been taken after recent consultations with the government.
Italy was beaten in a bid for Euro 2012 by Poland and Ukraine. The country's hooliganism problem was reported to be partly to blame.
"Italy is interested because we cannot shun the challenge of major international events and because we must start virtuous circles that give hope to our football," Abete told Rai radio earlier on Monday, according to Reuters.
The announcement came on the day that Scotland and Wales dropped plans to co-host Euro 2016 due to the financial demands of the expanded tournament.
Euro 2012 will be the last to feature 16 teams after UEFA voted last year to expand the tournament to 24.
"Italy will present its declaration of interest for the 2016 European championships by (the deadline of) March 9," Abete told a news conference after a FIGC board meeting. He said the decision had been taken after recent consultations with the government.
Italy was beaten in a bid for Euro 2012 by Poland and Ukraine. The country's hooliganism problem was reported to be partly to blame.
"Italy is interested because we cannot shun the challenge of major international events and because we must start virtuous circles that give hope to our football," Abete told Rai radio earlier on Monday, according to Reuters.
The announcement came on the day that Scotland and Wales dropped plans to co-host Euro 2016 due to the financial demands of the expanded tournament.
Euro 2012 will be the last to feature 16 teams after UEFA voted last year to expand the tournament to 24.
3.01.2009
Cristiano Ronaldo: “I hope to visit South Africa”
Cristiano Ronaldo says he would like to visit South Africa one day. Well in just 468 days he could well get his wish should Portugal qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2010.
The Manchester United and Portugal star was talking to Kick Off editor Neil Greig at Old Trafford, Manchester during the launch of Nike’s Mercurial Vapor Superfly boot.
Asked whether he had been to Mzansi and what he knew about the country, the winger said: “Last season Manchester United went there and the lads say it is an unbelievable place to go. I hope to go there one day too.”
Speaking right at the end of what was an interesting 40 minute press conference, Ronaldo looked more comfortable and relaxed than when he first walked in.
Facing around 100 media people from all over the globe was probably just as nerve wracking for him than it would be for anyone, highlighting that the superstar is just human after all.
But by now Ronaldo was smiling, joking and was visibly interested in getting his thoughts across about South Africa.
“I know quite a few parts of the world, but not South Africa. I wish to go there one day,” he says.
And Ronaldo will identify with the majority of South Africa’s children, having also spent a large part of his youth playing street football in Madeira, Portugal.
His message to South African kids who love to express themselves with skills learnt on the street, but also desire to reach the highest level like him, is a simple one.
“I started to play sometimes in Madeira in the street. The kids there still love to play football and all would love to be professional footballers one day.
“What the kids (in South Africa) have to do is believe in themselves and try all the time. Everyone has an opportunity and if someone catches the opportunities it is very good. But believe is the best word.”
The Manchester United and Portugal star was talking to Kick Off editor Neil Greig at Old Trafford, Manchester during the launch of Nike’s Mercurial Vapor Superfly boot.
Asked whether he had been to Mzansi and what he knew about the country, the winger said: “Last season Manchester United went there and the lads say it is an unbelievable place to go. I hope to go there one day too.”
Speaking right at the end of what was an interesting 40 minute press conference, Ronaldo looked more comfortable and relaxed than when he first walked in.
Facing around 100 media people from all over the globe was probably just as nerve wracking for him than it would be for anyone, highlighting that the superstar is just human after all.
But by now Ronaldo was smiling, joking and was visibly interested in getting his thoughts across about South Africa.“I know quite a few parts of the world, but not South Africa. I wish to go there one day,” he says.
And Ronaldo will identify with the majority of South Africa’s children, having also spent a large part of his youth playing street football in Madeira, Portugal.
His message to South African kids who love to express themselves with skills learnt on the street, but also desire to reach the highest level like him, is a simple one.
“I started to play sometimes in Madeira in the street. The kids there still love to play football and all would love to be professional footballers one day.
“What the kids (in South Africa) have to do is believe in themselves and try all the time. Everyone has an opportunity and if someone catches the opportunities it is very good. But believe is the best word.”
1.22.2009
Spain and Portugal goes for World Cup 2018
The football associations of Spain and Portugal have formally agreed to submit a joint bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
Portuguese Federation president Gilberto Madail signed the official FIFA document with Spanish counterpart Angel Maria Villar in Lisbon yesterday after an Iberian bid had been mooted for over a year.
Under the joint plan, Spain is expected to host the greater share of matches. FIFA regulations stipulate that candidates must provide approximately 12 stadiums capable holding at least 40,000 fans for group matches, and one stadium of at least 80,000 capacity to stage the opening match and final.
“We will create a joint commission to assess all FIFA conditions,” said Portuguese Federation president Gilberto Madail to reporters after signing the document.
The Iberian bid will expect strong support from the three South American representatives on FIFA's 24-man executive committee.
FIFA announced last month there would be a simultaneous bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. Other countries who are proposed to be bidding to host either or both of the tournaments are England, Australia, Russia, China, Qatar, the United States, Japan and a joint bid from Belgium/Holland.
The winning bids will be announced in December 2010.
Portuguese Federation president Gilberto Madail signed the official FIFA document with Spanish counterpart Angel Maria Villar in Lisbon yesterday after an Iberian bid had been mooted for over a year.
Under the joint plan, Spain is expected to host the greater share of matches. FIFA regulations stipulate that candidates must provide approximately 12 stadiums capable holding at least 40,000 fans for group matches, and one stadium of at least 80,000 capacity to stage the opening match and final.
“We will create a joint commission to assess all FIFA conditions,” said Portuguese Federation president Gilberto Madail to reporters after signing the document.
The Iberian bid will expect strong support from the three South American representatives on FIFA's 24-man executive committee.
FIFA announced last month there would be a simultaneous bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. Other countries who are proposed to be bidding to host either or both of the tournaments are England, Australia, Russia, China, Qatar, the United States, Japan and a joint bid from Belgium/Holland.
The winning bids will be announced in December 2010.
1.15.2009
Spain football team named Infostrada Sports’ Team of the Year for 2008
The National Football Team of Spain has been voted Infostrada Sports’ Team of the Year for 2008. In June, Spain won the European Championship for the second time after beating Germany 1-0 in the final.
It was the second European Championship trophy for Spain after they lifted the trophy for the first time in 1964. It was Spain’s third appearance in the European Championship final. In 1984, they lost 2-0 against France in the final.
David Villa became top scorer at Euro 2008 with four goals. That is the fewest goals for a European Championship top scorer since 1992, when Dennis Bergkamp, Tomas Brolin, Henrik Larsen and Karl-Heinz Riedle all scored three goals.
At the age of 69 years and 337 days, winning coach Luis Aragonés became the oldest coach ever to appear in the final of the European Championship.
Infostrada Sports’ Team of the Year 2000–2008
Year Winners
2008 Spain (Football)
2007 South Africa (Rugby)
2006 FC Barcelona (Football)
2005 Liverpool (Football)
2004 Greece Men's Team (Football)
2003 England Men's Team (Rugby Union)
2002 South Korea Men's Team (Football)
2001 Bayern München (Football)
2000 France Men's Team (Football)
Most European Championship titles
# Nation Editions
3 Germany 1972, 1980, 1996
2 France 1984, 2000
2 Spain 1964, 2008
1 Soviet Union 1960
1 Italy 1968
1 Czechoslovakia 1976
1 Netherlands 1988
1 Denmark 1992
1 Greece 2004
Oldest head coaches in European Championship finals
Age (y-d) Name Team Match
69-337 Luis Aragonés Spain Spain - Germany (29 Jun 2008) 1-0
65-330 Otto Rehhagel Greece Portugal - Greece (04 Jul 2004) 0-1
62-160 Miguel Muñoz Spain France - Spain (27 Jun 1984) 2-0
60-279 Helmut Schön West Germany Czechoslovakia - West Germany (20 Jun 1976) 2-2
60-137 Rinus Michels Netherlands Netherlands - Soviet Union (25 Jun 1988) 2-0
59-014 Roger Lemerre France France - Italy (02 Jul 2000) 2-1
58-125 Dino Zoff Italy France - Italy (02 Jul 2000) 2-1
57-199 Guy Thys Belgium West Germany - Belgium (22 Jun 1980) 2-1
55-238 Luiz Felipe Scolari Portugal Portugal - Greece (04 Jul 2004) 0-1
55-191 Ferruccio Valcareggi Italy Italy - Yugoslavia (10 Jun 1968) 2-0
Top scorers at European Championship
Year Name Nation Goals Matches G/M
2008 David Villa ESP 4 4 1.00
2004 Milan Baroš CZE 5 5 1.00
2000 Savo Milosevic YUG 5 4 1.25
Patrick Kluivert NED 5 5 1.00
1996 Alan Shearer ENG 5 5 1.00
1992 Dennis Bergkamp NED 3 4 0.75
Tomas Brolin SWE 3 4 0.75
Henrik Larsen DEN 3 4 0.75
Karl-Heinz Riedle GER 3 5 0.60
1988 Marco van Basten NED 5 5 1.00
1984 Michel Platini FRA 9 5 1.80
1980 Klaus Allofs FRG 3 3 1.00
1976 Dieter Müller FRG 4 2 2.00
1972 Gerd Müller FRG 4 2 2.00
1968 Dragan Dzajic YUG 2 3 0.67
1964 Deszõ Novák HUN 2 1 2.00
Pereda ESP 2 2 1.00
Ferenc Bene HUN 2 2 1.00
1960 Milan Galic YUG 2 2 1.00
Viktor Ponedelnik URS 2 2 1.00
Valentin Ivanov URS 2 2 1.00
Drazan Jerkovic YUG 2 2 1.00
Francois Heutte FRA 2 2 1.00
It was the second European Championship trophy for Spain after they lifted the trophy for the first time in 1964. It was Spain’s third appearance in the European Championship final. In 1984, they lost 2-0 against France in the final.
David Villa became top scorer at Euro 2008 with four goals. That is the fewest goals for a European Championship top scorer since 1992, when Dennis Bergkamp, Tomas Brolin, Henrik Larsen and Karl-Heinz Riedle all scored three goals.
At the age of 69 years and 337 days, winning coach Luis Aragonés became the oldest coach ever to appear in the final of the European Championship.
Infostrada Sports’ Team of the Year 2000–2008
Year Winners
2008 Spain (Football)
2007 South Africa (Rugby)
2006 FC Barcelona (Football)
2005 Liverpool (Football)
2004 Greece Men's Team (Football)
2003 England Men's Team (Rugby Union)
2002 South Korea Men's Team (Football)
2001 Bayern München (Football)
2000 France Men's Team (Football)
Most European Championship titles
# Nation Editions
3 Germany 1972, 1980, 1996
2 France 1984, 2000
2 Spain 1964, 2008
1 Soviet Union 1960
1 Italy 1968
1 Czechoslovakia 1976
1 Netherlands 1988
1 Denmark 1992
1 Greece 2004
Oldest head coaches in European Championship finals
Age (y-d) Name Team Match
69-337 Luis Aragonés Spain Spain - Germany (29 Jun 2008) 1-0
65-330 Otto Rehhagel Greece Portugal - Greece (04 Jul 2004) 0-1
62-160 Miguel Muñoz Spain France - Spain (27 Jun 1984) 2-0
60-279 Helmut Schön West Germany Czechoslovakia - West Germany (20 Jun 1976) 2-2
60-137 Rinus Michels Netherlands Netherlands - Soviet Union (25 Jun 1988) 2-0
59-014 Roger Lemerre France France - Italy (02 Jul 2000) 2-1
58-125 Dino Zoff Italy France - Italy (02 Jul 2000) 2-1
57-199 Guy Thys Belgium West Germany - Belgium (22 Jun 1980) 2-1
55-238 Luiz Felipe Scolari Portugal Portugal - Greece (04 Jul 2004) 0-1
55-191 Ferruccio Valcareggi Italy Italy - Yugoslavia (10 Jun 1968) 2-0
Top scorers at European Championship
Year Name Nation Goals Matches G/M
2008 David Villa ESP 4 4 1.00
2004 Milan Baroš CZE 5 5 1.00
2000 Savo Milosevic YUG 5 4 1.25
Patrick Kluivert NED 5 5 1.00
1996 Alan Shearer ENG 5 5 1.00
1992 Dennis Bergkamp NED 3 4 0.75
Tomas Brolin SWE 3 4 0.75
Henrik Larsen DEN 3 4 0.75
Karl-Heinz Riedle GER 3 5 0.60
1988 Marco van Basten NED 5 5 1.00
1984 Michel Platini FRA 9 5 1.80
1980 Klaus Allofs FRG 3 3 1.00
1976 Dieter Müller FRG 4 2 2.00
1972 Gerd Müller FRG 4 2 2.00
1968 Dragan Dzajic YUG 2 3 0.67
1964 Deszõ Novák HUN 2 1 2.00
Pereda ESP 2 2 1.00
Ferenc Bene HUN 2 2 1.00
1960 Milan Galic YUG 2 2 1.00
Viktor Ponedelnik URS 2 2 1.00
Valentin Ivanov URS 2 2 1.00
Drazan Jerkovic YUG 2 2 1.00
Francois Heutte FRA 2 2 1.00
12.04.2008
Scotland and Wales think about Euro 2016 bid
Scotland and Wales have held "tentative talks" about the possibility of hosting the European football championship in 2016, according to the Scottish FA.
Reuters reports that officials from Northern Ireland are also expected to be included in further discussions at the end of February, as the three British associations explore the possibility of hosting the tournament in eight years time.
"To suggest that we are planning to launch a bid is wide of the mark, but we have had tentative talks with the Welsh and further talks are planned with Northern Ireland when the International Board meets in Belfast at the end of February," a Scottish FA spokesman told the news service.
"We all know none of us can stage a 24-team tournament as it will be in 2016 but we are exploring the possibility of co-hosting."
Three of the last four European championships have been co-hosted with Belgium and Netherlands staging Euro 2000, Austria and Switzerland hosting this year's championship and Ukraine and Poland due to co-host the event in 2012.
Reuters reports that officials from Northern Ireland are also expected to be included in further discussions at the end of February, as the three British associations explore the possibility of hosting the tournament in eight years time.
"To suggest that we are planning to launch a bid is wide of the mark, but we have had tentative talks with the Welsh and further talks are planned with Northern Ireland when the International Board meets in Belfast at the end of February," a Scottish FA spokesman told the news service.
"We all know none of us can stage a 24-team tournament as it will be in 2016 but we are exploring the possibility of co-hosting."
Three of the last four European championships have been co-hosted with Belgium and Netherlands staging Euro 2000, Austria and Switzerland hosting this year's championship and Ukraine and Poland due to co-host the event in 2012.
10.17.2008
The Netherlands arrived to seven away in a row
On Wednesday, 15 October, the Netherlands beat Norway 1-0 in Oslo to clinch their seventh consecutive away win in European World Cup qualification.
The Netherlands equalled the record of seven consecutive away wins set by Sweden and West Germany (twice).
According to Infostrada, Holland’s last World Cup qualification away match without a win was on 9 October 2004 when they drew 2-2 against FYR Macedonia.
Holland’s next World Cup qualification away match is on 6 June 2009 against Iceland.
Away winning streaks – World Cup qualification UEFA
# Nation Last match before streak Match that ended streak
7 Netherlands FYR Macedonia - Netherlands (09 Oct 2004) 2-2 Still running
7 West Germany Norway - West Germany (19 Aug 1953) 1-1 Scotland - West Germany (16 Apr 1969) 1-1
7 West Germany Scotland - West Germany (16 Apr 1969) 1-1 Sweden - West Germany (25 Sep 1985) 2-2
7 Sweden Slovakia - Sweden (11 Oct 2000) 0-0 Croatia - Sweden (08 Oct 2005) 1-0
6 Romania Czechoslovakia - Romania (02 Jun 1993) 5-2 Republic of Ireland - Romania (11 Oct 1997) 1-1
5 England Republic of Ireland - England (19 May 1957) 1-1
5 Poland England - Poland (17 Oct 1973) 1-1 Belgium - Poland (01 May 1985) 2-0
5 Turkey Sweden - Turkey (07 Oct 2000) 1-1 Greece - Turkey (08 Sep 2004) 0-0
World Cup qualification away match winning streak Netherlands
Nr. Date Match Result
1 17 Nov 2004 Andorra - Netherlands 0-3
2 26 Mar 2005 Romania - Netherlands 0-2
3 08 Jun 2005 Finland - Netherlands 0-4
4 03 Sep 2005 Armenia - Netherlands 0-1
5 08 Oct 2005 Czech Republic - Netherlands 0-2
6 10 Sep 2008 FYR Macedonia - Netherlands 1-2
7 15 Oct 2008 Norway - Netherlands 0-1
The Netherlands equalled the record of seven consecutive away wins set by Sweden and West Germany (twice).
According to Infostrada, Holland’s last World Cup qualification away match without a win was on 9 October 2004 when they drew 2-2 against FYR Macedonia.
Holland’s next World Cup qualification away match is on 6 June 2009 against Iceland.
Away winning streaks – World Cup qualification UEFA
# Nation Last match before streak Match that ended streak
7 Netherlands FYR Macedonia - Netherlands (09 Oct 2004) 2-2 Still running
7 West Germany Norway - West Germany (19 Aug 1953) 1-1 Scotland - West Germany (16 Apr 1969) 1-1
7 West Germany Scotland - West Germany (16 Apr 1969) 1-1 Sweden - West Germany (25 Sep 1985) 2-2
7 Sweden Slovakia - Sweden (11 Oct 2000) 0-0 Croatia - Sweden (08 Oct 2005) 1-0
6 Romania Czechoslovakia - Romania (02 Jun 1993) 5-2 Republic of Ireland - Romania (11 Oct 1997) 1-1
5 England Republic of Ireland - England (19 May 1957) 1-1
5 Poland England - Poland (17 Oct 1973) 1-1 Belgium - Poland (01 May 1985) 2-0
5 Turkey Sweden - Turkey (07 Oct 2000) 1-1 Greece - Turkey (08 Sep 2004) 0-0
World Cup qualification away match winning streak Netherlands
Nr. Date Match Result
1 17 Nov 2004 Andorra - Netherlands 0-3
2 26 Mar 2005 Romania - Netherlands 0-2
3 08 Jun 2005 Finland - Netherlands 0-4
4 03 Sep 2005 Armenia - Netherlands 0-1
5 08 Oct 2005 Czech Republic - Netherlands 0-2
6 10 Sep 2008 FYR Macedonia - Netherlands 1-2
7 15 Oct 2008 Norway - Netherlands 0-1
10.14.2008
Italy – Montenegro: “Cheers and not politics at the stadium”
“Cheers at the stadium”: this is not a new slogan, but the message sent this morning by Gianluca Zambrotta, after the episodes of violence that characterized the night in Sofia. “We players – continued Zambrotta – want to transmit the values of sports. We want to entertain, and politics have to remain out of the playing field. We only want people who cheer in the stadium, not to organize gorilla warfare. Those who want to create confusion, should stay home”.
And he added: “Banners and swastikas have nothing to do with football, from the field we cannot even see them because we are concentrated on the match. But we know that the real fans of Italy are not the ones we saw during the match against Bulgaria. Football gives other signals.
” Zambrotta does not forget that Wednesday the National team will be back on the field to play against Montenegro, valid for the 2010 World Cup qualifications. And so he concentrates on the next appointment: “Our objective is to win the home matches and tie the away matches, this is why the point we gained against Bulgaria Saturday evening is considered good, even if we could have won. Bulgaria never came close to scoring. But now we have to think about beating Montenegro to respect our plans”.
Source: FIGC press
And he added: “Banners and swastikas have nothing to do with football, from the field we cannot even see them because we are concentrated on the match. But we know that the real fans of Italy are not the ones we saw during the match against Bulgaria. Football gives other signals.
” Zambrotta does not forget that Wednesday the National team will be back on the field to play against Montenegro, valid for the 2010 World Cup qualifications. And so he concentrates on the next appointment: “Our objective is to win the home matches and tie the away matches, this is why the point we gained against Bulgaria Saturday evening is considered good, even if we could have won. Bulgaria never came close to scoring. But now we have to think about beating Montenegro to respect our plans”.
Source: FIGC press
Germany – Wales preview: Miroslav Klose occasion
The German national team faces Wales in a World Cup 2010 qualifier in Mönchengladbach on Wednesday. The match at Borussia Park starts at 8.45 pm.
Germany is on top of the table in their group after a 2-1 victory against Russia on Saturday in Dortmund. The squad of head coach Joachim Löw collected seven points out of three games. Second are Wales with six points (three games).
It will be the 16th match between Germany and Wales. While the european runner-up won seven, there have been only two wins for Wales in the history.
Last time both teams met was during the qualification for EURO 2008. Miroslav Klose scored twice to seal a 2-0 victory in Cardiff. The second leg ended with a goalless draw.
Source: DFB Press
Germany is on top of the table in their group after a 2-1 victory against Russia on Saturday in Dortmund. The squad of head coach Joachim Löw collected seven points out of three games. Second are Wales with six points (three games).
It will be the 16th match between Germany and Wales. While the european runner-up won seven, there have been only two wins for Wales in the history.
Last time both teams met was during the qualification for EURO 2008. Miroslav Klose scored twice to seal a 2-0 victory in Cardiff. The second leg ended with a goalless draw.
Source: DFB Press
10.13.2008
Belarus – England preview: Matthew Upson starts to relieve
Matthew Upson said that he finally believes he deserves to be part of the England squad and that his positive attitude will only help him when he gets the opportunity to play for his country.
Upson made his debut for England back in 2003 and says that in the past he may not have thought highly enough of his own abilities, but the West Ham defender admitted that his outlook has changed.
"Maybe previously I have not believed in myself enough," Upson explained. "I did not think I deserved to be here.
"But when you feel like that, you only end up going one way. Now I do believe I deserve to be here. I think I can step in and do the job.
"Just because John Terry is the captain and Rio Ferdinand is the vice-captain does not automatically mean they are going to get picked.
"Things change very quickly in football. You get injuries and loss of form. It doesn't matter what someone else is doing, it is about how I am playing and I have to make sure I am ready."
While he admits that losing skipper John Terry and Ashley Cole for the game in Belarus is disappointing, Upson says that the strength of the England squad will mean that quality players can come into those positions.
"It is a blow to lose John but I guess it is a hazard of the game, that is what the squad is here for.
"We have enough strength in depth. We just have to pull together and make sure we approach Belarus in the same manner as always."
Man of the Match on Saturday, Wayne Rooney has also been singled out for praise from Upson who believes that the Manchester United forward has grown up very quickly in the game.
"Wayne has made an unbelievable start to his career. People sometimes forget how young he is. When you are young, you tend to find everything is for free. There is not much expectation and you grab what you see.
"But when things get tough, people expect a certain level of performance from us. Wayne has coped with it brilliantly and has gone from strength to strength."
Source: FA
Upson made his debut for England back in 2003 and says that in the past he may not have thought highly enough of his own abilities, but the West Ham defender admitted that his outlook has changed.
"Maybe previously I have not believed in myself enough," Upson explained. "I did not think I deserved to be here.
"But when you feel like that, you only end up going one way. Now I do believe I deserve to be here. I think I can step in and do the job.
"Just because John Terry is the captain and Rio Ferdinand is the vice-captain does not automatically mean they are going to get picked.
"Things change very quickly in football. You get injuries and loss of form. It doesn't matter what someone else is doing, it is about how I am playing and I have to make sure I am ready."
While he admits that losing skipper John Terry and Ashley Cole for the game in Belarus is disappointing, Upson says that the strength of the England squad will mean that quality players can come into those positions.
"It is a blow to lose John but I guess it is a hazard of the game, that is what the squad is here for.
"We have enough strength in depth. We just have to pull together and make sure we approach Belarus in the same manner as always."
Man of the Match on Saturday, Wayne Rooney has also been singled out for praise from Upson who believes that the Manchester United forward has grown up very quickly in the game.
"Wayne has made an unbelievable start to his career. People sometimes forget how young he is. When you are young, you tend to find everything is for free. There is not much expectation and you grab what you see.
"But when things get tough, people expect a certain level of performance from us. Wayne has coped with it brilliantly and has gone from strength to strength."
Source: FA
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