Dyer predicts Sven’s future is black and white

Last updated : 12 February 2003 By Martyn Elliott

The midfielder believes that we will soon have as many squad members as Arsenal and Man United, with Titus Bramble and Shola Ameobi joining him, Jonathan Woodgate and Jermaine Jeans in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s plans.

Dyer told the Journal: "We have shown we can compete with the best sides in the Premiership, but I think a real sign of the growing status of Newcastle is the fact we could soon have five players in the England squad.

"That is what Arsenal and Manchester United contribute each time, but I think we could soon have even more than them. We've got a core of excellent young players, English and foreign, that's why the future is so exciting.

"Jermaine Jenas is set to win his first cap and I'm delighted about that. Woodie is already a full international so we already have three players in the squad.

"And I don't think it is too long until Titus and Shola are included as well. Shola is already a regular for the Under-21s and I expect him to follow JJ in making the step-up to senior level.

"I thought Titus was outstanding against Arsenal. He's got his confidence back and you can see why the manager spent the money he did. He is going to be an immense player, for Newcastle and England."

Add to those five the likes of Michael Chopra, Lewis Guy and Steven Taylor coming through the academy and you can see why Eriksson is so optimistic about the future.