Andy backed to break into England under-21 squad

Sep 28 2008

HEARTS boss Csaba Laszlo is backing Andrew Driver to break into England's Under-21 squad - once the club solve the winger's niggling ankle problem.

The injury has restricted Driver to just four appearances this term and he hasn't played since a 2-1 SPL win at Hamilton on August 30.

Driver consulted a specialist in London earlier this month and received an injection to help ease the inflammation that is causing him pain.

The 20-year-old was advised to rest his Achilles but despite making steady progress he missed yesterday's 3-0 defeat by Dundee United.

Laszlo is a huge admirer of the Oldham-born ace and hopes Driver can make the step up to international level.

The left winger has been on the fringes of Stuart Pearce's Under-21 squad and English chiefs have checked him out.

Now boss Laszlo hopes Andy can fulfil his potential once he is over the ankle knock.

He said: "I'm a bit sorry for Andrew. He was not in the squad for Tannadice this weekend and hasn't trained.

"He isn't 100 per cent fit as he was only running last week.

"Now he must wait and this is my biggest problem.

"I hope for Andy's sake that he can get fit and maybe get a call-up for the Under-21s.

"He loves his football and listens to me. It is the key to success for a young player."