Under-21 boss reveals he persuaded Sven to take a look at his youngsters

England Under 21 oss David Platt has admitted that he told Sven-Goran Eriksson that he thought Alan Smith and Wayne Bridge were ready for elevation to the England Senior squad and has been delighted by the progress made by his proteges.

Both Wayne Bridge and Alan Smith now look to be settled members of Sven's squad these days and David takes pride in the duo's continued progression up the international ladder.

"I get a great deal of pleasure when a player that I have worked with or recommended to Sven-Goran Eriksson makes his senior debut and does well," David told us.

"I pushed for Wayne Bridge to be in included for the Holland friendly and he eventually went to the World Cup. I also pushed for Alan Smith to be involved and I was delighted with the way he played against Portugal."

Players like Bridge and Smith have made no secret of the respect that they have for Platt having watched his exploits for club and country as they grew and David is in no doubt that his playing career has helped him in his coaching.

"My playing days for England have helped me a great deal," he says.

"By playing international football I have experienced things on and off the pitch which I can recall for the players should the need arise.

"The players believe in what I am saying because they know I have been in similar situations."

The Under-21s have begun their new Euro Qualification campaign in fine style, recording convincing victories over both Slovakia and Macedonia and David believes that the strength of Sven's Senior side will filter down to the younger England sides.

"We are now producing a very good crop of youngsters but, like anything, it takes time to bear fruit.

"The senior team has a very young average age and I expect that the youth teams will profit from this, as we will get more mature teams through the system from now on, which will mean we can challenge more in tournaments.

"I like to win and at the moment our goal is to win the 2004 European Under-21 Championship."