Davies won’t fail England, says Bolton boss

Bolton manager Owen Coyle insists veteran striker Kevin Davies won’t let England down if he makes his international debut in next week’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.

Davies was handed a surprise call-up by Fabio Capello after injuries ruled out several of the England coach’s preferred attacking options.

The 33-year-old former Blackburn and Southampton player has been a consistent performer for Bolton in recent years, but he readily admits he had all but given up hope of earning England recognition.

Now he has a belated chance to impress at the highest level and Coyle is confident his captain will rise to the challenge.

“To get that call-up for his country, which I know means an awful lot to him, has been earned through the quality of his play and we are absolutely thrilled for him,” Coyle said on Tuesday.

“No-one has given it him easy, he has had to work his socks off against some terrific centre-backs in the best league in the world.

“One thing we all ask in football is if you get an opportunity you have to go and grasp it and he has earned the opportunity.

“If he is given the chance there is no doubt in my mind he will be a terrific addition to the squad.”

Coyle revealed he found out prior to the weekend that Davies had been selected in Capello’s provisional squad but the player thought it was a joke and would not believe the news until he received official confirmation an hour before Monday’s announcement.

“We’ve known since late Thursday that he was in the provisional squad but such was his and my focus we kept it to ourselves to concentrate on the game at West Brom,” Coyle said.

“Even on Monday, when we both knew, we waited for it to be announced because it is such a big thing for him.”

Davies’s main assets are his physical power and aerial ability, but Coyle is adamant he has the skill and experience to adapt to any type of formation or tactics that Capello uses.

“Whether you decide to play one, two or three up front Kevin has a tremendous role to play for anyone,” Coyle said.

“As a former striker myself I would have loved to have played with that type of player who knocks things down into your path.

“If he is given the opportunity he will be fantastic, no doubt about it.”

Davies admits he is bound to suffer from a few nerves if he plays at Wemnbley on Tuesday, but he is determined to savour every moment of the experience.

“I just have to go along and enjoy the experience of being involved with the international team and if I get the chance to play I will do my best to impress,” he said.

“I am sure there will be a few nerves over the next couple of days and it hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I am looking forward to this opportunity and I’m going to give it my best shot.”