Newcastle midfielder Kevin Nolan scored a superb hattrick in his side’s 5-1 demolition of bitter-rivals Sunderland yesterday.
The Magpies captain has always had an eye for goal and I’ve always been a big fan of the attacking midfielder.
Scoring
Kevin Nolan has scored goals wherever he has played and it’s been no different in the North-East.
His role has changed over the years from box-to-box midfielder to a role as a second striker. This shift in position has helped him discover his best form.
Role Model
Kevin Nolan has always been a mature guy. Even at a young age he was captaining Bolton and a key player to their success under big Sam Allardyce. He has also shown his maturity by taking troubled Geordie striker Andy Carroll into his house and under his wing while the youngster was on bail. Carroll couldn’t ask for a better role model, Nolan is a true professional and doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
Worker
He is a player who works extremely hard for everybody teams he plays for and never leaves anything on the pitch. He is a tough player without being dirty or over-aggressive in my opinion. He epitomises British spirit and heart. However he isn’t just a rough and ready player he is also very skilful, as he proved in yesterday’s North-East derby.
Inspiration
His typical heart and spirit was shown in abundance last season when he lead Newcastle to the Championship title and a return to the Premier League. He had previously showed his character by staying at the club after they were relegated from the top flight when others jumped ship.
He will also play a crucial part in Newcastle’s attempts to stay in the Premier League this season. Not only are his goals vital but his leadership skills will prove crucial as well.
England
Nolan has represented England at under-21 level but has never received a call-up to the full national side. He is also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland. I recommend that Fabio Capello takes a look at the midfielder he is only 28 and has lots of qualities to offer the national side.
If former-Bolton teammate Kevin Davies can win a call up to the England side at 33 years of age then there is hope for the relative youngster.
With Capello believed to be ready to select an experimental squad for the next friendly Capello could do worse than calling up Nolan. Nolan has the sort of spirit that England has lacked in recent months.
The England players against Montenegro looked lacklustre and that’s one thing Kevin Nolan could never be accused of. In interviews he has always came across as a guy who doesn’t take himself too seriously, an attribute which seems missing from England’s current dressing room.
England’s loss could be the Republic of Ireland’s gain and they would be stupid not to give him a ring and make an enquiry.
Bias
Although I like Nolan I am a bit biased as he is from my old neighbourhood. My best friend was in the same swimming club as the Newcastle star but readily admits that the midfielder used to lap him time and time again! So he is obviously also multi-talented!
Priorities
Kevin Nolan seems like a level-headed guy and I’m sure he won’t let his good form go to his head. He will be concentrating on helping Newcastle survive this season in the Premier League. If he did get a call-up to the England squad I’m sure it would be gleefully received and be regarded as a bonus.
Should Fabio Capello pick Kevin Nolan for England’s next friendly?
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