Youngsters the best

Last updated : 23 February 2003 By Martyn Elliott

It’s difficult to argue that our squad isn’t the most promising in the Premiership, but when you consider the calibre of players that Sir Bobby has worked with during his career his assessment make the future look even more exciting.

"This is possibly the best group of young players I've ever worked with, because of the numbers," said Sir Bobby.

"We're not just talking about kids like Jermaine Jenas and Hugo Viana, we're talking about Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer, Andy O'Brien and Aaron Hughes.

"I've had some good young players but maybe not so many.

"Every year the players are becoming better, more confident and more astute.

"They train every day and their quality goes up.

"When you're 22 you're good but when you're 23 you're better, when you're 24 you're even better and when you're 28 you're even better still.

"We've bought some good young players who are mixing very well with the senior players.

"Everyone's on about the young players and that's right, they're doing great.

"But we do have a contingent, a nucleus of experienced players as well and the mix is really nice.

"There's a good blend and gradually we're getting better and better."