Alan Curbishley has reinforced Robert Green's claims for an England call up while expressing his delight that Matthew Upson has been selected.
Many neutral observers expected the goalkeeper to be one of Fabio Capello's 30-man preliminary selection for next Wednesday's game at Wembley against Switzerland. However, he was left out in favour of David James, Scott Carson and Chris Kirkland - with the in the Wigan Athletic goal on Saturday afternoon. Upson's impressive form at the back was enough to get him included - although the squad will be cut to 23 on Saturday evening.
"Everyone has got an opinion on it," the manager said. "From our side we are a little bit disappointed that we haven't got any more in there. I know our games have been completely watched by them. [Capello's assistant Franco] Baldini was at the two Man City games, he was at the Liverpool game on Wednesday so we can't complain that they haven't looked at the games.
"We are delighted for Matty Upson but obviously a little bit disappointed at one or two of the others who thought they may have had a chance. It has happened before to Robert Green and other people. He will just take it on the chin and get on with it. All he is going to do is play as well as he can and if it changes, it changes. I don't think he will see it any other way.
"People are looking at some of our performances but you can't go anywhere unless you stop letting goals in. We have managed to do that, touch wood, and he has been a major part of that. So his performances haven't gone unnoticed, we know that - he has just got to keep going. Matty Upson has managed, because of his performances, to get in there so we will see."
On Upson, Curbishley could not be more content with a man he describes as a "proper" individual, both on and off the pitch. "When I bought him I knew what I was getting. Apart from a good footballer, I was getting someone in the dressing room and in and around the training ground, who was proper. Someone who was dedicated.
"I knew what I was bringing in, the only disappointment was the fact that he got injured straight away. Since the summer, once he got himself right - he has shown how consistent he is. It just shows that for me the harder you work, the luckier you get. He has worked ever so hard."
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