Dyer Gets His Reward

Last updated : 07 February 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

The pair last played together at Villa Park in April 2004 as Newcastle held the Midlands club to a 0-0 draw, and they are certain to start for England against Spain on Wednesday night.

Steve McClaren: "Did I wonder if Woodgate would get back to this level? It's the same with Jonathan and Kieron. You always have those niggles and doubts because of the length of time people are out.

"I was at Newcastle and remember the game when Jonathan did the initial injury. He's been a really big loss to English football.

"But he's got a great opportunity now. He's been playing for the last six months on a regular basis at Middlesbrough - and as he's shown in the training sessions we've had this week, he's a very, very good player.

"He has a very strong mentality, and it's the same with Kieron. When anybody goes through that kind of injury for any length of time, it either makes or breaks you.

"It makes you stronger, tougher, a better character. You learn a lot about yourself; you learn a lot of things. I think Jonathan has done that, as well as Kieron."

England team to face Spain: Foster; G Neville, Ferdinand, Woodgate, P Neville; Wright-Phillips, Lampard, Carrick, Gerrard, Dyer; Crouch.

Glenn Roeder is hoping that the England manager does not push Dyer too hardl

Dyer was withdrawn towards the end of the 2-1 defeat against Fulham, but has started the last 12 games for Newcastle.

Roeder: "Playing 90 minutes would be taking things a little too far. With the injuries we've had this year, I hope Steve will be sensible.

"He's obviously a very sensible coach, and I'm sure he won't use Kieron for the whole game, and just give him a taste of what it's like to pull on that England shirt again."