TURN THE OTHER LOFTUS-CHEEK!
ROY HODGSON has advised Ruben Loftuscheek to be “humble” amid all the hype surrounding his England debut.
The Crystal Palace midfielder faces a late fitness test before tomorrow’s relegation clash with Everton because of the back spasm suffered on international duty earlier this week.
If the on-loan Chelsea star is passed fit, former Three Lions boss Hodgson will warn him of the attention he will now attract back in the Premier League.
“There’s a very good quote from a guy called John Wooden (an American basketball coach who died seven years ago),” said Hodgson. “He said ‘Talent is God-given, be humble. Fame is man-given, be thankful. Conceit is selfgiven, be careful.’ All young players should keep those words in mind,
“Ruben Loftus-cheek is a very composed and sensible young man.
“He knows he played well for England but he also knows there is a lot of work to do before he can really call himself a top-class international player and that is what he will be doing with us.”
Loftus-cheek was man of the match against Germany last Friday but a first-half injury ended his involvement against Brazil on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old midfielder has started only 29 Premier League games for Palace and Chelsea but already he is being tipped as a potential World Cup star for England next summer.
Yet Hodgson (above) reckons he still has his work cut out merely to make the squad for the finals in Russia.
“If he plays well for us and helps us do well he’ll be a contender for Gareth Southgate,” Hodgson added.
Loftus-cheek’s progress has been hampered by physical problems – a back spasm forced him off against Brazil.
“It’s something we’ll have to keep a close watch on because it’s not a muscle injury, not a hamstring and not a calf strain,” said the Palace gaffer.
“It’s not the result of an injury. It’s something about the way his body is and he has to manage it.”
Belgian international Christian Benteke could return for Palace after being out since September with a knee injury.