Cats star Ferdinand targets national team call
Oct 15 2008 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
ANTON Ferdinand believes inconsistency rather than Fabio Capello’s lack of presence in the North East is the biggest obstacle he needs to clear if he is to achieve his aim of an England call-up within two seasons.
Tipped as one of the country’s brightest defensive prospects after making his Premier League debut as a teenager at West Ham, Ferdinand believes that his summer move to Sunderland can revive international claims that have receded as his form tailed off over recent seasons.
And while the defender insists his priority is maintaining an encouraging start for the Black Cats, watching his brother Rio captain England in a competitive match for the first time has strengthened his international aspirations.
“My number one priority is playing well for Sunderland and being part of what we’re trying to achieve here. Obviously I want to play for England too and I’m only 23,” he said.
“I can see it being in my grasp in the next year or two if I do well for Sunderland. If I do that then hopefully I’ll get the call – if I don’t then I need to work harder.
“Obviously there are people in the squad who are doing things that I’m not doing at the moment and I’ve got to try and work out what those things are and get better at them.
“Experience in big games is what I need – I’m only 23 and I’ve played in big games but I’m talking about Champions League games and playing in
Europe. I think the biggest thing for me is consistency. I think my biggest downfall is that I’ve been inconsistent in the past. I need to be consistent through a season and – touch wood – to not have injuries either and then I’ll have a chance.”
If Ferdinand maintains his early form, which included a composed display as Sunderland secured a notable draw with Arsenal before the international break, then he should find himself on Capello’s radar before the end of the campaign.
Although the England manager and his band of assistants have rarely been spotted in the North East since he took charge of the national team, Ferdinand does not believe that will hinder his chances of earning his first senior cap. “I don’t think it will harm me that I’m playing here. Football is on TV every week so I’m sure Mr Capello will get videos sent to him, or he watches Football First like we all do,” he said.
“I’m not worried about that. If he doesn’t come to games up here then I’m sure he’s watching or has people telling him. I’ve always been told that whenever you’re playing a game you never who’s watching – there’s always someone watching. That was something my dad said to me, so it doesn’t really bother me whether Mr Capello is seen at games or not because he’ll know how players are playing.” Ferdinand is enjoying life in the North East and appears to be benefiting from cutting ties with his boyhood club.
A more thoughtful presence than he is often given credit for, Ferdinand intends to make his stay on Wearside a long one – and is delighted to have struck up a good relationship with the Sunderland supporters.
“The Sunderland fans have made me feel welcome – I’ve enjoyed it. At West Ham I was the kid who came through the ranks but here I’ve been brought to the team to make them better,” he said.
“It’s different – I was saying to my girlfriend and to my family that it’s mad because I’m not used to getting the loudest cheer. Now when my name gets called I’m getting potentially the loudest cheer and it’s crazy. But it’s a great feeling.
“I don’t normally think about it but I noticed it and it’s a great feeling. Hopefully I can repay them with good performances now.”
