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Swansea winger Nathan Dyer plays down significance of Leighton Baines test

 

Andrew Gwilym
Friday 21 September 2012 13:50 BST
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Dire problem: Swansea’s Nathan Dyer struggles to pass Sebastian Larsson
Dire problem: Swansea’s Nathan Dyer struggles to pass Sebastian Larsson (PA)

Swansea winger Nathan Dyer does not see tomorrow's clash with Everton's Leighton Baines as a chance to prove his internationals credentials to England boss Roy Hodgson.

Dyer, 24, impressed during Swansea's maiden Premier League campaign last term, and has started the new season in sensational form.

The former Southampton man has relished the freedom manager Michael Laudrup has allowed his wide men this season, scoring twice and creating a host of chances.

Dyer has been mentioned as a potential England call-up for some time, and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand recently used his Twitter account to champion the forward's cause.

Everton left-back Baines, meanwhile, has been the model of consistency for David Moyes' side in recent seasons, and started England's World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine in the absence of the injured Ashley Cole.

Dyer will get the chance to go up against the former Wigan defender when Everton visit the Liberty Stadium tomorrow, but his only focus is on trying to secure three more points for the Swans rather than making a point to Three Lions boss Hodgson.

He said: "I think it will give me an extra nudge to face a player of his quality, but when I go out I just enjoy playing, I don't think I need to do this or that for something else to happen, what comes my way, comes my way.

"It has been nice to get mentioned and to have other players and fans recognise I have been playing well, but it's one of those things, you have to keep going, keep grinding out performances, scoring goals and making assists and hopefully you can get a chance.

"But the players in the England squad are great players themselves, so I am not going to say that I should be involved, that's up to selectors and it's up to me to keep pushing."

Swansea will be looking to get back on track against the Toffees after suffering their first defeat of the season at Aston Villa last weekend.

The Swans lie fifth in the table, above seventh-placed Everton on goal difference after the Merseysiders' controversial 2-2 draw with Newcastle on Monday, where they were denied two legitimate goals by poor decisions from the officials.

Dyer admits he was impressed by the performance of Baines and Steven Pienaar down the Everton left at Goodison Park, but has warned Swansea's opponents they should also be worried about the understanding he has with Angel Rangel on Swansea's right flank.

He said: "I watched the game the other day and Baines has been a great left-back for a number of years and Pienaar is very good on the ball.

"But me and Angel have played together for years and we have a good understanding. So while they are good players, it will also be a good test for them as we can get forward and create a lot of chances."

PA

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