Pedersen backing Bentley

Rovers midfielder tips team-mate for England role

By Rob Parrish   Last updated: 7th April 2008

Bentley David Blackburn v Bolton

Bentley: Pedersen praise

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Morten Gamst Pedersen insists David Bentley should be England's first choice on the right flank.

The Blackburn winger is in competition with former captain David Beckham for the role, with national team boss Fabio Capello still to decide on his preferred option.

Bentley started the Italian's first game in charge against Switzerland in February, but was then left on the bench as Beckham returned to win his 100th cap in the defeat by France last month.

But Bentley's Ewood Park team-mate Pedersen believes the Rovers ace has all the attributes to become a key figure on the international stage.

The duo combined on Saturday for Blackburn's equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Tottenham as Bentley crossed for his team-mate to slot home.

Everything

And Pedersen told The Sun: "To me, David is England's best right-sided player.

"I think he should be playing there for England, as he has everything in his game.

"He can score goals, he can deliver. He has a great future. It's time he was given that place on the right of midfield.

"Sometimes, you can have a bad day at the office. But he doesn't have them often, which is the mark of a quality player.

"He'd be first choice for me. The way he has improved as a player is unbelievable and I think there is still more to come from him."