Stuart Pearce has labelled Fraizer Campbell an "exciting talent" after calling up the Sunderland man for England's friendly against Holland.
New faces are important, says caretaker boss
Stuart Pearce has labelled Fraizer Campbell an "exciting talent" after calling up the Sunderland man for England's friendly against Holland.
The 24-year-old striker played no football in 2011 and had appeared to be well down the pecking order in the race for international recognition.
But the speedy forward returned to fitness last month and scored in his first two comeback games for the Black Cats under new boss Martin O'Neill.
And England's caretaker manager is delighted to be in a position to reward Campbell for all his hard work.
"I know Fraizer quite well because the heads-up I've got is I've taken the majority of these boys to Under-21 tournaments," said Pearce.
"He was fantastic on the road with us at Under-21 level.
"He's come back into the Sunderland side and given them a real lift. I spoke to Martin about him at a game a few days ago and he spoke very highly of him.
"He's worked fantastically well to get back from the injury he's had. He's an exciting talent. I think he'll thrive by coming into this environment."
Cleverley's big future
Also in Pearce's squad, the first since Fabio Capello stepped down, are Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley and Manchester City right-back Micah Richards.
And Pearce has been impressed with the way Cleverley, who has also recently returned from injury, has adapted to a central role.
"He started the season fantastically well," said Pearce. "It's been a bit stop-start with injuries.
"He's come back into the United side, they've played him in a more central role, which is something I didn't do at Under-21 level, and he's flourished.
"They (United) talk highly of him. He's got a big future. Just being around the senior set-up will stand him in good stead."
Back in favour
Although Cleverley was a part of Capello's plans, Richards found himself regularly overlooked during the Italian's tenure but is back in favour under his old Manchester City boss.
"He's done extremely well this year," added Pearce. "To hold your place in the Manchester City side is no mean feat these days. He's had a smashing season.
"It will be interesting for him and his mentality coming back into the squad.
"It's important we nurture these talents and make sure they fulfil their potential.
"He's got a great opportunity to come in and impress.
"We're on the home run for the tournament in the summer and I think it's important we get one or two of these young faces in here and see if they can handle a game of this magnitude."
