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Swansea v Hull City: Swans midfielder Jonjo Shelvey tipped for bright England future regardless of 2014 World Cup inclusion

Swansea assistant manager Morten Wieghorst has backed the midfielder to become a star on the international stage even if he is overlooked for next summer's World Cup in Brazil

Andrew Gwilym
Monday 09 December 2013 10:15 GMT
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Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has been tipped for a bright England future by his club assistant coach Morten Wieghorst
Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has been tipped for a bright England future by his club assistant coach Morten Wieghorst

Jonjo Shelvey heads into tonight's Premier League clash against Hull with Swansea's assistant manager Morten Wieghorst tipping him for a bright future with England, regardless of whether the midfielder goes to next summer's World Cup.

The 21-year-old has taken a little time to settle since his £5million move from Liverpool, but he is starting to show consistent form rather than just glimpses of his talent.

His man-of-the-match performance in last week's 3-0 win over Newcastle was his best to date in a Swansea shirt, and Shelvey will be hoping for more of the same against the Tigers.

Shelvey has been capped by England, having appeared as a substitute in the 6-0 win over San Marino in October 2012, and has stated his aim is to try and force his way into Roy Hodgson's World Cup squad.

Wieghorst knows it may be difficult for Shelvey to get on the plane for Brazil, but believes he has a long future in the England team.

The former Celtic midfielder said: "I don't think the English manager has made up his mind yet but Jonjo obviously is a young man and if he keeps playing like this who knows?

"We would certainly be very happy if he keeps performing like that. What he did against Newcastle was great.

"It is maybe a bit too early to say about the World Cup but I think he's got a very bright future.

"He's got so many qualities as a footballer. He's technically gifted, he sees the game well, he sees the pass, he has a strike on him and I think playing as the advanced man in a three-man midfield suits him very well because it's easier for him to get closer to goal, make his deep runs and he has more security behind him.

"I know he plays on the edge at times, but I think you need that, he certainly does as long as you know where to draw the line."

Wieghorst admits he has been impressed by how well Hull have adapted to life in the Premier League, and they sit just a point behind Swansea in the table.

And the Dane insists there is no chance of the Swans taking the Tigers lightly.

"They've definitely surprised me a little bit," he said. "The points they've collected so far, for a promoted team is very good.

"I watched bits of their game against Liverpool, and they performed well and deserved the win so they can't be taken lightly.

"Not so long ago Swansea were the newcomers in the Premier League, Hull have put up some great performances and picked up points so we should know what it's all about."

PA

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