West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has claimed that an England recall is not far away for goalkeeper Robert Green if he continues to put in performances like the one against Portsmouth at Upton Park on Saturday in the Premier League.
28-year-old Green was the difference between the Hammers losing to Pompey or coming away with a point as the former Norwich City pulled of a series of fine saves to keep West Ham in the match and ensure that Zola’s side did not endure their sixth defeat in seven games.
Former Chelsea legend Zola claims Green played like an International keeper and now wants the Hammers stopper to maintain that high level and force himself in to England manager Fabio Capello’s plans.
“Robert was outstanding. He was aware and made some fantastic saves, I'm really pleased for him. He played like a national team goalkeeper, but it's not down to me to judge. Capello knows what to do better than me,” said Zola.
“To be in the national team you have to perform at high levels all the time, week in week out. I wish that Robert will do the same now here.
“I am expecting him to perform like this for many other games. We need Robert playing the way he did against Portsmouth.”
Green, who was pleased to have kept a clean sheet in the match with Pompey is confident that West Ham have enough quality to avoid relegation, with the Hammers stopper upbeat about winning another England cap. Despite being overlooked in favour of Joe Hart and Scott Carson for the clash with Germany on Wednesday.
Green said: “We have not had the best of runs but I am sure we can go forward - I am confident we will avoid it [relegation].
“I've been sick of people reminding us that we've not kept a clean sheet for goodness knows how long. It's good to get that monkey off our backs.
“I was in the last squad for Kazakhstan. If it comes along it comes along. It is motivation enough to do well for West Ham.”
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