Jarvis close to call up

Fabio Capello could use England's upcoming friendly against France to have a look at Wolves' exciting winger Matt Jarvis. The 24-year-old has caught the eye for Wolves this season and has been tipped by many to earn his first cap. The winger produced a supreme display during his side's narrow Carling Cup loss to Manchester United, prompting the travelling fans to call for their man to play for England.

Wolves' manager Mick McCarthy has made his feelings on the matter quite clear.

"I don't think there are many better wingers around. When the fans chant for him to play for England, they're not far away," he said.

"I sat next to Fabio Capello's assistant Franco Baldini at Stoke on Sunday and he spoke highly of him."

Although there are plenty of pacey, skilful wingers available to Capello, Jarvis offers something the others lack - a good end product. Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips can beat people all day with their incredible speed and trickery, but they lack the final quality ball needed from wide men.

Quality delivery was seriously lacking at the World Cup in the summer. In recent years English wingers have had a tendency to overlook the basics and focus not on crossing but on the amount of step-overs they can perform. As the Betfair specialists point out, someone who can consistently get the ball in the danger areas will always be a valuable member of any squad and especially England.
Jarvis looks to be the full package so far but the former Gillingham youngster has only played one season in England's top flight and will need to keep his level of performance up if he is to fulfil his potential.

Another thing Jarvis will need to avoid is having his head turned by a big club when they inevitably come calling. At 24 Jarvis needs to be playing regularly if he is to reach the top of his game. If Wolves go down, which the Premier League tips suggest they could, then Jarvis would have to move, especially if he was part of the England set-up.

However, he'll need to pick his club wisely if he is to play on a regular basis.