Nicky Weaver For England

As we approach the next round of boring and meaningless European qualifiers, I think it's that football powerhouse, Macedonia this weekend, it's high time England was represented by at least one City player.

Now after Saturday's exploits at Goodison Park, I suspect that Joey Barton's feint chances of a midfield spot have receded into the distance, but it's time that our Nicky Weaver's performances were recognised and rewarded.

Quite simply, Weaver has been a revelation this season and has made the most of his opportunity back in the first team for almost five years.

Let's face it, gone are the glory days of old when the top six English 'keepers were also the top six 'keepers in the world. Nowadays, international class English 'keepers are a rare breed thanks mainly to the influx of foreign players.

Although Robinson has the number one shirt at the moment, he didn't look convincing recently at the World Cup. The best of the rest are no more than average; leave aside City old boy David James, whose international career is now, rightly or wrongly over, there are not very many other good options.

Kirkland is injury prone, Green hasn't really proved himself at the highest level yet, ditto for Scott Carson and Ben Foster is no more than a good young prospect at this stage of his career.

Before Weaver was injured, he was the England No 1 'keeper in waiting. Many of us thought he'd never be the same player after all those years in rehab, but the doubters have been proved wrong this season; he has without question been awesome since his unexpected return into City's 1st team.

Still only 27, Weaver has yet to reach his prime years. If Jonathan Woodgate can be told he'll soon be back in the England fold after a handful of games for 'Boro, then the same should apply to Weaver. On current form, Nicky is probably the top 'keeper in the Premiership at the moment, so come on Steve McClaren, let's have him back in the squad and give him his chance; after five years of hell, he's earned it!

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