Former Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate believes that former Boro Academy protégé Adam Johnson can force his way into Fabio Capello’s England side in time for the 2012 European Championships in Ukraine and Poland but feels that the forthcoming World Cup has come a little too soon for Manchester City’s new signing.
Johnson, who had been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid, finally followed Stewart Downing out of the Middlesbrough exit in January sealing an £8 million deal with Manchester City after months of speculation
In an exclusive interview with sport.co.uk former England international Southgate reflected on the fruits of Middlesbrough’s Academy and tipped City’s new boy to be a big success at Eastlands.
“I’m sure that in time Adam will develop into a talented player but I don’t think he is ready for this World Cup.
“He hasn’t been in any of the squads up to now and I don’t think Fabio [Capello] is likely to start bringing in people who haven’t been involved up to this point.
“In the wide areas he has lots of experience and Adam’s time will come. He’s had a fantastic move to Manchester City and he’ll be on a great stage over the next couple of years to force his way into the European Championship squad.”
Looking back on his time in charge of Middlesbrough and speaking proudly about the successful youth teams which earned plaudits across the country, Southgate stressed that affording youngsters the opportunity to perform was the key.
“I would say that the opportunity to play was the most important factor. We had a period where my philosophy was to give youngsters a chance. Financially we had to try and balance the books; in doing that we gave players a chance that they might not have had.
“We had one group of exceptional players which included Stewart Downing and Adam Johnson but whether the other guys that got in the team were any better than those at other clubs is debateable. What they had though was a route into the first team and without such an opportunity it’s hard to get anywhere in the game.
“The key for all young players is to play and that is why it is so difficult for them when they move to a big club and become squad players. Ideally for their development they need to be in the first team. It is a decision that lots of young players will face but in my opinion they should always ask themselves ‘am I going to play?’”
To read sport.co.uk's full interview with Gareth Southgate in which the former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender talks management, Capello's selection headache, the race for fourth place and his tip for the title, click here.
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