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Thursday, 6 April 2006, 13:34 GMT 14:34 UK

Curbishley given Holland backing

By Alistair Magowan

"If the opportunity did come along then I am sure he would jump at it"
Matt Holland

Matt Holland (left) has tipped Alan Curbishley for England Charlton midfielder Matt Holland says Alan Curbishley's lack of European experience should not prevent the Addicks boss from managing England.

He is thought to be on the shortlist to succeed current England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson but a lack of coaching outside the Premiership may go against him.

However, ex-Republic of Ireland star Holland told BBC Sport: "He's certainly going to be in with a big chance.

"I do think he's got the credentials to be an international manager."

Holland, who won 49 caps for the Republic before quitting international football in February, has spent nearly three years at The Valley and is impressed by Curbishley's management skills.

He added: "He is a very good coach and when you have got such good players to coach then the job is made a little bit easier.

"I have been impressed with him for the last three years I have worked with him.

"As for European experience, I am not sure how much you need when you have got such good players to choose from. I do not think that should work against him.

"I do not think the limelight will bother him. I do not think he has got any skeletons in his closet.

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"It would be a totally different lifestyle compared to being manager of Charlton but I am sure it would not affect him."

Eriksson is leaving the England post after this summer's World Cup finals in Germany.

The Football Association is reported to have come up with a shortlist of potential coaches, with Curbishley, Bolton's Sam Allardyce, Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren and former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill thought to be the names in the frame.

Curbishley has been in charge of Charlton for the last 15 years, initially as part of a management duo with Steve Gritt.

He has taken the club from a struggling side in the old Division Two without a ground into an established Premiership outfit.

And Holland admitted it would be a huge blow for Charlton if they were to lose his services.

The former Ipswich star added: "I believe the FA have got a shortlist together and if that is the case then I am sure Alan Curbishley's name is going to be on it.

"From a Charlton point of view, it would be disappointing to lose him because he has been instrumental in what we have achieved over the last 10 to 12 years.

"On a personal level for Alan Curbishley, it is a great honour to be asked to manage a country so if the opportunity did come along then I am sure he would jump at it."




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Related to this story:

Holland ends international career (05 Feb 06 |  Internationals )

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