JJ in line for the problem role

Last updated : 20 February 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Dyer has always been Sven’s first choice for the problem left side of midfield role, but Tord Grip has revealed that after his performance against Australia JJ is in line for the role.

"Jenas did very well against Australia. In that game, we played him on the left-hand side," Grip told the FA’s official website.

"Although I think his best role is in the middle, you can play him in many positions and we are always looking on the left-hand side to find the right solution.

"All the players that we have played there, even Kieron Dyer, who does not play there for Newcastle, have wanted to play there because they know it's an opportunity for them.

"Jenas played there when he was at Forest, so he's used to it."

And Grip also revealed that Shola Ameobi was in the thoughts of the England management, adding: "It was good that he got into the team and played so well when Shearer and Bellamy weren't there. It was an opportunity for him and he took it.

"Of course, he did very well against Leverkusen but I must say as well that he also had a good game for the Under-21s against Italy earlier in the month.

"We had the game screened in our team hotel and, on a very, very bad pitch, he managed to keep the ball and do well. He's big and strong but he has quick feet."