POLITICS MAY COST ME - BOATENG

Boateng has been in superb form this season and his manager John Gregory has championed his case for a place in Louis van Gaal's side, despite the fact that he faces competition from the likes of Edgar Davids and Clarence Seedorf for a place in the Dutch midfield.

Boateng was the captain of the Holland Under-21 squad before joining Coventry from Feyenoord in 1997, but he feels a call-up for the full squad is not imminent.

"There are lots of politics involved if you are to be picked for the Dutch team," Boateng told the official Aston Villa website. "Sometimes they don't pick the most obvious players.

"They probably feel I should be playing in the Champions League or a top team or one of the best two teams in England. There are all sorts of reasons.

"During my first season at Coventry, I felt as good as I do now. I was playing some terrific football and felt ready for the national side. Yet other players weren't even playing games and were picked before me.

"There were players out for a year, then playing two or three games while I was on fire. I wouldn't say I was hopeful. But if the Lord thinks my time has come to play for Holland, then I will.

"I want to play for my country and would be glad and honoured if it happens - but I could be brought in on a bad day and it could cost me my whole international career."

Villa signed Boateng from Coventry 18 months ago and after a shaky start he has established himself as a key figure in Gregory's side.