Coleman: Liam is great!

Chris Coleman is convinced that Liam Rosenior can eventually replace Gary Neville with England.

England hopeful Rosenior and new boy, Micah Richards did battle for a place in the starting line up, but it was Richards who made his debut on Wednesday against Holland.

The rise of Richards has been nothing short of meteoric given the fact he has made less than 30 appearances for City but Coleman insists he is not the only young full back pressing for recognition.

Rosenior has fulfilled some of his promise of late with a series of mature displays and whilst conceding his player still has a lot to learn, Coleman is confident the 22-year-old could soon be pressing for a call-up of his own.

'Liam is great. He is improving all the time and I think we tend to forget how young he is,' said Coleman.

'He is still a baby but he is going to go on and become a very good player.

'Micah is a terrific player and he has got his chance but I'm sure if Liam keeps doing what he's doing and continues to progress like he has for the last two years, he will get his chance as well.'

Coleman may be quick to champion the cause of his player, but he is also keen to point out that to rush Rosenior into international football could prove counter-productive.

Citing the example of how Zat Knight took his eye off the ball after winning a debut cap against Colombia in 2005, Coleman urges caution.

'He got in the England squad and I thought he took his foot off the pedal a little bit,' Coleman added.

'He's now back playing as well as ever and is terrific for us but I feel he lost his focus for a time.'

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