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McCLAREN HAILS CROUCH'S GIANT EFFORT

Steve McClaren claims Peter Crouch is appreciated for his work-rate as well as his strike-rate inside the England camp.

Crouch, 25, scored twice against Andorra on Saturday to take his England goal tally to 10 in 13 games.

The manager admits it is a "phenomenal" record for a player who only made his debut 15 months ago but insists the Liverpool hitman has a lot more to offer.

McClaren said: "He's a team player and, when we do the stats and look at the fitness, he runs more than any other player in a game.

"For a striker it's a phenomenal amount of work he's getting through.

"He runs about 13km, maybe more sometimes, and the average is 12 and a half for a midfielder. He is consistently above. I've seen him do 14 before."

McClaren tracks his players' mileage using digital coaching aids like Prozone and trawls through video tapes to monitor their impact on the game.

Crouch can look ungainly but the manager's data proves the 6ft 7in striker is proving highly effective in international football.

McClaren said: "He'll do the job. He's disciplined. He's got great touch with his back to goal and he'll bring other players into play.

"We looked back at the Greece game and twice he was the one who laid the ball off in midfield and then finished the move at the end.

"You can give him the ball and trust him with it but he's also an aerial threat and an outlet for us. He has many qualities."

Crouch's critics point to his lack of pace and awkward style but that does not bother the England manager.

McClaren said: "He's not lightning quick but he gets there and he's effective in other ways. He's a loper and he's effective with his runs in the box.

"I always looked at Teddy Sheringham and thought he wasn't quick but he was very effective.

"You always seem to be in the right spot at the right time when you're confident and that's what he's doing."

By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.

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