Rob Green can bounce back from his World Cup disaster and hit new heights this season, says West Ham boss Avram Grant (Hammers 9/2 to be relegated).
The Hammers manager says that, although Green and other England players may get a rough ride from fans – particularly of opposition clubs – early this season it should not affect their form.
Green’s clanger saw him allow a harmless-looking shot from USA’s Clint Dempsey to find the net in England’s opening 1-1 draw at the World Cup.
The keeper was axed for the rest of the tournament but has been publicly backed by his club manager.
“I believe any player needs to give answers on the pitch,” Grant told the club’s official website.
“I remember David Beckham after the World Cup in 1998, it was his best season. I remember Cristiano Ronaldo in 2006, the supporters did not like him and it was his best season.
“In the 2002 final Oliver Kahn conceded a goal my grandmother could have stopped and Germany lost the title, but he was still a good goalkeeper.
“Rob is a very good goalkeeper, very good mentally, high quality.
“It will not be the last time a goalkeeper lets a goal in like that, there were many at the World Cup.
“But with the support – it happened to Beckham and it happened to Ronaldo and I hope his reaction will be the same.”
Green was overlooked for this week’s friendly against Hungary, even though Ben Foster withdrew with an injury and Paul Robinson announced his international retirement.
But the West Ham (1/8 to stay up) boss feels Green has no intention of following Robinson’s lead and says he can force his way back into Fabio Capello’s plans.
“I didn’t have to speak to him,” said Grant. “It’s part of the game.
“I don’t think he needs to retire because in my opinion he will play many games for the England team. At the moment he is one of the top two goalkeepers in the country.”
Meanwhile, Grant says he is preparing to live out his dreams at Upton Park.
As a young man in Israel, he says he loved the way West Ham (20/1 to finish in top six) would try to entertain with attacking football.
He visited the club and sat at the feet of former boss Ron Greenwood.
Grant told the Daily Express: “I know everything about West Ham and their traditions. I know what they believed in, how they wanted to play the game and be judged. It was probably the main reason I took the job. I absorbed everything about them and about English football too
“I would very much like to carry on the traditions of this club.
“This season, for me and for West Ham, is a big challenge, but always success is a journey, not just a target.”
Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.