Fulham midfielder Sean Davis has credited French
manager Jean Tigana for his success with both club and country this season.
Davis was called into the England Under-21 squad for the first time last week
and believes his selection would not have been possible without Tigana's
advice.
The 21-year-old will be hoping to put in another impressive performance tonight
when Fulham get the chance to extend their lead at the top of the First Division
to eight points in a rearranged clash against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
But Davis is quick to play down his own success, admitting he has benefited from
Fulham's form - they have lost only once in the league - and Tigana's
decision to switch him from a winger into a defensive midfielder.
"Last season, I was playing wide right in midfield and it's not really my
position," he said.
"Jean has shown me how to play in a defensive midfield role, which is where he
used to play. I know I've still got a lot to improve, especially when it
comes to switching play, but he is a marvellous coach."
Davis feared he was in trouble with the Football Association last week when he
received his call-up for the England Under-21 squad.
He thought the FA's selection letter for the squad to face Italy must have
been a disciplinary note, and he telephoned Lancaster Gate to check they had not
got their wires crossed.
Davis ultimately failed to make an appearance for England, as the game in Monza
was abandoned after only 11 minutes due to thick fog, but he relished his first
international experience.
He said: "Before the letter came, nobody at Fulham had any idea I had been selected.
When I saw the letter, I thought, 'I'm not in trouble, am I?'
"I had never even spoken to Howard Wilkinson, so I rang the secretary at the Football
Association. I wanted to make sure they had the right Davis.
"The lads at Fulham were telling me Italy was a nice one to start my international
career, but I also owe a debt of thanks to both my dad and Jean Tigana."
Source thisislondon