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Leeds United: Delph has a Fab future - Hunter
Fabian Delph's England Under-21 call-up is confirmation the 18-year-old midfielder is destined for a career in the Premier League, says former Leeds United defender Norman Hunter.
Delph has been named in coach Stuart Pearce's squad for next week's friendly with the Czech Republic and Hunter expects the international honour to be one of many earned by United's young sensation.
Delph has already been capped at under-19 level by England, but was included in the under-21 squad for the first time this week and is likely to make his debut against the Czechs at Bramall Lane next Tuesday.
Hunter, who won 28 full caps for England, said Delph's step up was an inevitable promotion on the back of his scintillating form for Leeds this season.
And the 65-year-old feels the experience of international football will increase the rate of the youngster's progression.
"This confirms to me, as it will to Fabian, that he's going to be a very good player," said Hunter. "It proves that he's heading for the highest level.
"The staff and the supporters at Leeds have seen a lot of him this season and we know how much talent he's blessed with, but his selection for the under-21s means that other people further afield are starting to notice his ability as well.
"You don't get into England squads at any level because of your name or your reputation – you get there on talent and all-round ability.
"The under-21 squad is the cream of the crop of English youngsters, and if you're in there then you're a real prospect.
"He's still a kid in footballing terms but he's realising his potential pretty quickly, and this is recognition of that.
"It's good for him and, as far as his development and confidence goes, I think it's good for Leeds as well."Delph produced another masterclass during Tuesday night's Carling Cup tie at Derby County and Leeds boss Gary McAllister revealed that Pearce made only one visit to United's training ground before deciding to include the midfielder in his squad.
He is one of seven uncapped players in Pearce's party and is expected to make his first Under-21 appearance on Tuesday, despite his probable involvement in United's FA Cup replay at Northampton Town 24 hours earlier.
Delph's selection is likely to strengthen interest in him among England's Premier League clubs, but Hunter believes the midfielder will remain with Leeds during the January transfer window – and warned him against approaches from teams who would consign him to their reserve squads.
Hunter said: "I've spoken to Fabian, and he seems like a sensible lad with a very level head.
"He's not cocky, he's not arrogant and he comes across as a proper gentleman. But it's obvious that he knows how good a player he is and I like that. It's important for a player to appreciate the talent he has.
"He's made so much progress this season that I think it's in his best interest to stay at Leeds. Judging by his body language and his general attitude – which is excellent – I think he feels that too.
"This is a club where he's playing every week, getting experience of big crowds in a big stadium, and any player of his age who moves to a top-flight club runs the risk of ending up in the reserves.
"It's happened before and it'll happen again."
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Weather for Leeds
Sunday 12 February 2012
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