The Football League Paper

We’ve got six of the best - and here’s how

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IWAS chuffed this week as we had six of our squad called up for internatio­nal duty, coupled with a ‘seventh’ as our recent sale Conor Washington (to QPR) was selected by Northern Ireland. It is brilliant to see great lads rewarded. Michael Smith (Northern Ireland), Gabby Zakuani (DR Congo), Kgosi Ntlhe (South Africa U23), Chris Forrester (Republic of Ireland) and our loanees Martin Samuelsen (Norway U21) and Harry Toffolo (England U20) all received the nod.

The question that is worth thinking about at moments like this is around what defines an internatio­nal; what sets him apart?

Relentless

Firstly, these lads are all great profession­als. They do what is expected of them constantly. They get all of the basics spot on relentless­ly. They are low maintenanc­e but high added value. They set high standards because it comes from within them.

Secondly, they strive to get better relentless­ly. They don’t accept where they are at. Martin Samuelsen, for instance, cannot put away his poles and ball; he is out on that training ground fine-tuning his footwork, improving his speed with the ball, developing his balance, enhancing his disguise. Their improvemen­t is no fluke. It is earned.

Third, they respect their team- mates and their club. This gives their country the confidence that they are not ‘me’ people. That they believe in and will serve the greater good. Internatio­nals are the first in the club shop to sign shirts and programmes for kids.

Finally, they are intelligen­t and constructi­ve communicat­ors. If something bothers them they talk about it. If they don’t like something they say so. They don’t wait until afterwards and look for excuses. They sort out problems. They solve issues. They do what men do.

The difference between the best and the rest is only ever a little bit. It’s lots of little bits. In the end, a lot adds up to two key words; discipline and respect. They show both behaviours in abundance. To see such great attributes in so many young men is a fabulous endorsemen­t of our great sport at a time when role models are often questioned.

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 ?? PICTURE: Action Images ?? HARD WORKER: Martin Samuelsen has shone at Peterborou­gh on loan from West Ham United
PICTURE: Action Images HARD WORKER: Martin Samuelsen has shone at Peterborou­gh on loan from West Ham United

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