Curtis Davies In Shocker

No not another performance worthy of a pub team title, OR at MON’s latest signings – I’m sitting here waiting – but at being called into the England squad.

Davies was named earlier tonight in the provisional squad to face Switzerland and is one of five Villans in Fabio Capello’s new look England team.

Quite an amazing feat for the onloan (with no option to return so why do I keep saying onloan?) defender, after earlier naming himself pub quality about a shocking debut against Leicester.

We’ve all seen the improvement since he replaced Zat Knight, and I’m sure Martin O’Neill is well chuffed at Capello’s decision.

Speaking to the official site, after the news was made public, he said:

‘I’m completely shocked but absolutely delighted. I wasn’t thinking about it from my perspective at all.

‘I thought about those who might get into their first squad but I didn’t think I’d be one of them! I’m really happy.

‘When I got the news I thought it was a wind up! I had to check several times before I realised the message was genuine.

‘I really didn’t have a clue I’d be called up. It makes the waiting at the start of the season all worthwhile.

‘Obviously Zat was doing well but I got my chance and probably got in the team at the right time because we’ve played against some big teams and the England manager obviously wanted to watch the big teams as well as us.

‘It’s nice to know I did enough to impress in that time and it’s a reminder to make sure I keep doing the job at Villa.

‘I just hope now I’ve done enough to get into the final squad when its announced at the weekend. But this is a great first step and just to know I’m in the new manager’s mind is a brilliant feeling.

‘Whatever happens in the next week or so I know that my hard work is paying off because I’m part of this group.’

Davies wasn’t the only one to be chuffed at the news, Gabby Agbonlahor is equally as delighted:

‘It’s brilliant to make the step up. Everybody has been saying things about me all season but I’ve just tried to concentrate on playing my game.

‘I want to keep improving and I’ve worked hard to get to this point. The gaffer has been great and he’s never stopped encouraging me.

‘I feel I’m a much better player this season and I’ve learned a lot and I’m delighted I’m in this squad.

‘I just hope I stay in at the weekend and the thought of joining up with a senior England squad is a tremendous honour. But I won’t be taking that for granted until after the weekend.’

Onwards and upwards – 3 1/2 hours left, something better happen, I’m sitting here waiting this time!