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Upson gets Bruce backing

Last updated : 08 October 2003 By Brian Cartlidge

Upson was selected in the 25-man England squad for the Euro 2004 qualifier in Istanbul on Saturday with the full backing of the Blues boss.

“It’s excellent for Matty and the club that he’s been selected,” Bruce told the B'ham Evening Mail.

“I don’t think he’s ever done anything wrong when he’s been with the squad before. It will be interesting to see if he’s given a chance, only the coach knows what he’s got in mind.

“If he does decide to go with Matty, then he’s definitely got the temperament for it, as well as the ability. He would not let anyone down.

“It won’t be a place for faint hearts on Saturday and I wouldn’t be worried about him at all if he got the nod.”

If selected, Upson will gain his sixth full cap for the full England side since joining Blues from Arsenal in February this year.

Full Squad: James (West Ham), Robinson (Leeds), Walker (Leicester); P Neville (Man Utd), G Neville (Man Utd), A Cole (Arsenal), Bridge (Chelsea), Mills (Leeds), Campbell (Arsenal), Terry (Chelsea), Upson (Birmingham City); Beckham (Real Madrid), Lampard (Chelsea), J Cole (Chelsea), Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Butt (Man Utd), Dyer (Newcastle), Gerrard (Liverpool), Scholes (Man Utd); Owen (Liverpool), Heskey (Liverpool), Beattie (Southampton), Rooney (Everton), Darius Vassell (Aston Villa).