Former AC Milan star backs Callum Wilson for England
Published:
Luther Blissett has backed AFC Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson to pick up where he left off when he returns from injury.
Cherries star Wilson netted five goals in a solid start to life in the top flight, prompting England manager Roy Hodgson to admit the 23-year-old was “on the radar” when he was selecting his squad for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers.
Despite the injury blow, former Bournemouth, Watford and AC Milan star Blissett, capped 14 times by England, told the Daily Echo that the young striker’s time will come.
“He definitely would have been considered when you look at the way he started. He picked up from where he left off last season and maybe seemed set for a place in one of the squads later on this season,” he said.
“The only thing you can do is cross your fingers that he gets over this injury. He needs to get back into training and playing when the time is right and rediscover that form he was in. If he does that, the opportunity will come again.”
Wilson netted five goals in his first six games of the season to top the scoring charts but has been ruled out for six months after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligaments in the recent 2-1 loss to Stoke City.
The injury has hit Bournemouth hard, with replacement Glenn Murray scoring once but missing a late penalty in last weekend’s 1-1 with fellow promoted side Watford.
The Cherries are now 13/5 fourth favourites to be relegated at the end of the season, with just Aston Villa, Sunderland and Newcastle – three clubs currently occupying the relegation places – available at shorter prices.
Wilson may have shown glimpses of his talent in the opening weeks of the season but his injury means he is likely to rejoin a side fighting for survival if he returns before the end of the campaign.
Score the goals that keep Eddie Howe’s side in the top flight however and international honours will surely follow.
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