文章基本信息

标题：Football: IT'S DUNN AND DUSTED
作者：AMBITIOUS: David Dunn
期刊名称：Sunday Mirror
印刷版ISSN：0956-8077
出版年度：2001
卷号：Nov 4, 2001
出版社：Mirror Group Newspapers Ltd.

Football: IT'S DUNN AND DUSTED

AMBITIOUS: David Dunn

DAVID DUNN is universally regarded as the Next Big Thing. Some have even gone so far as to tip him as a future England captain.

The Blackburn midfielder does not expect to be in tomorrow's squad to play Sweden - but he has his sights firmly set on the 2002 World Cup.

Dunn, hailed by John Barnes as "the best young player in the country", was wanted by Sven Goran Eriksson for next week's Old Trafford encounter.

But David Platt dug his heels in, claiming his captain was needed for the vital Under-21 European Championship play-off against Holland.

Dunn is keen to stake his claim for a summer trip to the Far East and he knows there are a few more international friendlies coming up. Eriksson is known to be a fan and saw his fine display at Highbury last month, crowned by two goals. "We've got two big games for the Under-21s against the Dutch and I want to complete the job of qualification," said Dunn.

"But I'm ambitious and I set myself goals. The big goal is to get into the England squad, there's no secret about that.

"People say you've got to play for one of the big four clubs to get noticed by Mr Eriksson. But look at Chris Powell. He's been getting into the squad because he's been playing really well for Charlton."

To those who argue the World Cup in Korea and Japan might be too early for the 21-year-old, he points to the youthful talent already unleashed by the Swede - Michael Owen, Rio Ferdinand, Emile HeskeyBy ANTHONY CLAVANEand Ashley Cole. "I'm not going to get carried away and be swayed by all the hype. But if I continue to play well I can push myself into the squad. "OK, I'm not in a big four team, but if I can do well against teams like Arsenal and Liverpool I've got a chance of impressing the Engtland coach. I've just got to keep my feet on the ground." Dunn has been compared to Paul Gascoigne by Rovers boss Graeme Souness but is not keen to parade his credentials as the new Gazza. "The important thing is not to get carried away about what people are writing about me. If I keep on having a good season I can hopefully push my way in to the squad. "But it's a very exciting time to be a young English player. There are a lot of really promising ladsaround."