INTERVIEW

KEVIN'S A WISE GUY!
By ANDREW DILLON
18 September , 1999


DENNIS WISE is poised for an amazing England recall - at the age of 32.

Chelsea's no-nonsense skipper could play his first international for more than three years in the October 10 friendly against Belgium at Sunderland.

Wise, who earned the last of his 12 caps in a 3-0 Euro 96 Wembley warm-up win over Hungary, is in stunning form.

And the midfield star caught national boss Kevin Keegan's eye with an inspirational performance as Chelsea held Italians AC Milan in Wednesday's Champions League clash.

Keegan insists age is no barrier to his future plans and has already offered Italy 90 veteran Paul Gascoigne, also 32, the chance to resurrect his England ambitions.

He admitted: "England have not got so many stars that you can say Dennis isn't an England player. He is. He has not been in the squad yet, but that can change.

"Up to now I've always chosen the balance of the squad differently. If I feel Dennis Wise is right for England, I don't care how old he is."

Keegan underlined his commitment to help the aged by naming defender Stuart Pearce, 37, for the Euro 2000 qualifiers against Luxembourg and Poland.

And he is ready to pack his side with experienced golden oldies - even the likes of outcast Paul Ince, 31 - if England reach the play-offs for next summer's finals.

Keegan said: "Age is not a barrier for me and shouldn't be for them. Three or four players are unlucky not to have figured.

"Circumstances play a part and Stuart probably wouldn't have been picked if Graeme Le Saux had been fit. But it's those things that should drive a player on to say 'There's still a chance for me. I've got to keep myself fit, playing well and nudging the England manager to pick me on my performances'. For people like Dennis and Paul Ince it's important we qualify for Euro 2000. If we don't, everyone knows we'll be bringing in youngsters."