Shola backs JJ’s international call up

Last updated : 10 February 2003 By Martyn Elliott

"JJ's been outstanding since he came to Newcastle, despite having played only a handful of games for Nottingham Forest before coming here, what he's done is unbelievable," said Shola..

"He's only 19 but he's already come up against the best of young talent in Europe at the European Under-21 Championships last summer, and he never shied out of it.

"He's never been overawed by the big occasion and I'm sure he won't be overawed by the step-up.

"In the past year he's grown massively as a player - he's getting forward a lot more, and grows in confidence with every game.

"I'm not surprised he has sneaked into the full squad because he's been marvellous for Newcastle United and he could be marvellous for England."