Post by Taxigirl on Feb 17, 2006 9:53:30 GMT
www.leedsunited.com
United boss Kevin Blackwell has congratulated loan pair Liam Miller and Jonathan Douglas after they both earned recalls into the Republic of Ireland squad.
The midfield duo were named in new Republic boss Steve Staunton's first squad for their friendly against Sweden at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday, March 1.
For Douglas it could see him pick up his third cap for his country after a break of nearly two years since his last international game, a 3-0 defeat to Nigeria.
Miller, who has nine caps, did play in a friendly against Italy at the start of the season but was not involved in Ireland's last three World Cup qualifying games.
Blackwell is pleased that their recent good performances for Leeds have been recognised.
He said:"It's getting back to the old days with two lads getting called up - add them to the likes of David Healy, Eddie Lewis, Gylfi Einarsson and Joel Griffiths and we look like a club packed with internationals again.
"That's a testament to how far we have come as a football club in 14 months.
"It's also testament to the ability of those two players. I don't think they would have been selected in Blackburn or Manchester United's reserve team but they've established themselves here and got what the deserve and I for one am absolutely delighted for them.
"I do believe there is a lot more to come from both of them yet though.
"The only way you can get on as a player is to play, when you're locked away in someone's reserve team your talent is hidden under a bushel. Players should be looking to show themselves off and this is what can happen.
"If I want to sign the players it might add a bit more to the price so that's the only downside."
United boss Kevin Blackwell has congratulated loan pair Liam Miller and Jonathan Douglas after they both earned recalls into the Republic of Ireland squad.
The midfield duo were named in new Republic boss Steve Staunton's first squad for their friendly against Sweden at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday, March 1.
For Douglas it could see him pick up his third cap for his country after a break of nearly two years since his last international game, a 3-0 defeat to Nigeria.
Miller, who has nine caps, did play in a friendly against Italy at the start of the season but was not involved in Ireland's last three World Cup qualifying games.
Blackwell is pleased that their recent good performances for Leeds have been recognised.
He said:"It's getting back to the old days with two lads getting called up - add them to the likes of David Healy, Eddie Lewis, Gylfi Einarsson and Joel Griffiths and we look like a club packed with internationals again.
"That's a testament to how far we have come as a football club in 14 months.
"It's also testament to the ability of those two players. I don't think they would have been selected in Blackburn or Manchester United's reserve team but they've established themselves here and got what the deserve and I for one am absolutely delighted for them.
"I do believe there is a lot more to come from both of them yet though.
"The only way you can get on as a player is to play, when you're locked away in someone's reserve team your talent is hidden under a bushel. Players should be looking to show themselves off and this is what can happen.
"If I want to sign the players it might add a bit more to the price so that's the only downside."