Crouch praise for 'honest' Harry

Portsmouth striker admits gratitude to manager

Last updated: 8th October 2008

Crouch Peter

Crouch: Helped by Redknapp

Harry Redknapp tells me that I can be a world beater - and you start to believe it

Peter Crouch
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Peter Crouch has attributed his England recall to Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp.

The Fratton Park forward was left out of England's opening 2010 World Cup qualifiers with Andorra and Croatia in September, and he also missed the friendly draw with Czech Republic at the beginning of the season.

But England boss Fabio Capello has named Crouch in his squad for Saturday's clash with Kazakhstan at Wembley and the meeting with Belarus four days later.

And after earning a return to the international scene, Crouch - who left Liverpool in the summer in search of first-team football - has praised Redknapp for convincing him he is a 'world beater'.

"Harry Redknapp has been a big help to me," said Crouch, who also played under Redknapp at Southampton in the 2004/05 season.

Confidence

"I've played for Harry before and I felt he had got the best out of me so that was one of the reasons I joined Portsmouth.

"I believe for the rest of the season he will get the best out of me and a lot in terms of my England recall is down to him.

"Harry certainly builds up the confidence of players. For example, he tells me every day that I can be a world beater - and you start to believe it.

"He is just an honest fellow. If you are rubbish, he will tell you as well. But, if you are playing well, he will tell you that.

"It is nice to know. If you need to pull your finger out, he will certainly let you know but if you are doing the business, he will praise you."