Thursday 1 October 2015 17:32, UK
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has backed Ryan Bertrand to take his chance with England after the left-back was brought into the squad for the upcoming European Qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania.
Bertrand has the chance to stake a claim to the left-back slot after Manchester United's Luke Shaw suffered a double leg break against PSV Eindhoven last month.
The call from England manager Roy Hodgson surprised Koeman as Bertrand played his first 90 minutes of the season against Swansea last Saturday following a spell out injured.
But the Dutchman insists the 26-year old has the quality to shine on the international stage and singled him out as the best player on the pitch during the 3-1 victory over Garry Monk's side.
"Was it a surprise? A little bit because of course it's very fast after the first time playing 90 minutes," he said. "But I was also surprised about the level Ryan was at already last week.
"Maybe a little influence is some injuries to different players in that position but we know if Ryan is back and playing on his level then he's one of the national team. That's good for the player, the confidence of the player and it's good for Southampton.
"Already he's a good player in my opinion because it's always a difficult position. You don't have really very good left full-backs and the qualities of Ryan are important in our way of playing.
"I like to play with offensive left and offensive right full-backs. He's on that level that we are happy he is a Southampton player."
Bertrand is expected to start against his former side Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, while midfielder Jordy Clasie may also be included in the squad.
The summer signing from Feyenoord has yet to play in the Premier League since his £10.5m move due to an ankle injury.
