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Coleman considering Turner call

Ben Turner celebrates with Filip Kiss as he notches Cardiffs late extra time equaliser
Image: Ben Turner: Caught the eye during Cardiff's Carling Cup final defeat to Liverpool

Chris Coleman admits he is keen to explore the possibility of drafting Cardiff City defender Ben Turner into the Wales fold.

Wales boss hoping to draft Bluebirds centre-half into his squad

Chris Coleman admits he is keen to explore the possibility of drafting Cardiff City defender Ben Turner into the Wales fold. The 23-year-old shone for the Bluebirds on Sunday as they suffered Carling Cup final heartache against Liverpool. His performance has drawn plenty of plaudits, and Wales coach Coleman is among those to have been impressed by the talented centre-half. Coleman worked with Turner during his time in charge of Coventry and always felt that he was destined for a bright future, providing he could steer clear of injury. England recognised Turner's potential around that time by capping him at U19 level, but he has been overlooked by the Three Lions ever since. That has left the door open to Wales, with a Welsh grandmother meaning he could be eligible to switch his international allegiance. Asked if Turner is among those in his thoughts, new national team coach Coleman said: "He was after Sunday, I can tell you that.

Domineering

"I worked with him when he was a kid at Coventry. He had a problem with injuries but he seems to be overcoming that. "He's progressing into the centre-half that I thought he would be - strong and domineering. "I was interested to see how he went against Luis Suarez on Sunday, he's a very tricky customer. But he was outstanding, one of the best players on the pitch. "We know he can head the ball. We know he's got a good left foot, he's a strong boy, strong in the tackle, quicker than people think he is. "I was interested to see how he went up against that because in international football you get players coming off you, into little pockets. "You have to have your wits about you, I thought he was outstanding. Even before that game we had talked about him. "Can he expect a phone call? Yes, he can."