Hughes - Bentley is new Becks

Blackburn boss champions midfielder's cause

Last updated: 27th March 2008

Bentley David France v England

Bentley: Hughes praise

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes insists David Bentley is the long-term successor to David Beckham in Fabio Capello's new look England side.

Bentley was expected to start on the right of England's midfield for Wednesday's 1-0 friendly defeat to France in Paris, but boss Capello opted to hand Beckham his 100th cap.

Beckham was replaced by Bentley midway through the second half at the Stade de France, but Hughes believes it is the former who should be waiting on the sidelines.

"David Beckham is a fantastic player, and still of international quality," said Hughes. "I know him very well personally, and I'm extremely pleased for him.

"But I think most people believe if David Bentley continues to progress as he is doing, then he is the guy likely to take David Beckham's place long-term.

"We hope that's the case, but the decision is out of anybody's hands at Blackburn.

"It's down to David to continue to perform exceptionally well for us as he has done, and then we will see what happens."