Midfielder hails his Manchester United and England team-mate

MICHAEL CARRICK reckons Danny Welbeck has a glittering future ahead of him at club and international level.

Midfielder Carrick has expected big things of his Manchester United and England colleague ever since he first saw him in action for the Red Devils.

Despite the £24m arrival of Robin van Persie at Old Trafford, Welbeck has impressed in his seven Premier League appearances so far this season.

The 23-year-old is also in good form for the Three Lions after scoring twice in Friday’s 5-0 humbling of San Marino in a World Cup qualifier.

And Carrick said: "I am probably a bit biased because of the United connection but ever since I have seen Danny I have been a huge fan and I expected big things of him.

“He has had a terrific couple of years now. People were looking at him when we signed Van Persie saying 'where is his position, where is he going to fit in?'

"But he showed he is still a major part of it. We have got so much strength, but he has been terrific and he was terrific again on Friday against San Marino.

"If he keeps performing like that he is only going to get better."

Carrick believes Welbeck is the complete all-round player but is confident he will not get carried away with his success.

He added: "Danny can create and score goals. He can play different positions, he can play wide, he can play up top and he is a real talent.

"But he is modest too, which is what you'd expect coming through the ranks at United.

"Sir Alex Ferguson sets standards for the young lads and Danny doesn't get carried away and his performance against San Marino won't change him at all.

"He'll get back and start working hard again and that is what he does best. That is one of his biggest assets."

Carrick enjoyed playing under stand-in England skipper Wayne Rooney and believes he has "every chance" of becoming his country's record goalscorer.

Rooney is currently on 31 goals after his double against San Marino - 18 short of record holder Sir Bobby Charlton.

Carrick said: "I suppose it is easy for me to stand here and say that he can break the record.

"It is not easy to score all those goals. We will have to wait and see, but he has got every chance.

"As captain, he was much the same as normal. He didn't do anything different to what he normally does.

"You wouldn't expect him to change, that is what he does best. It's the same as Steven Gerrard in that they play by setting an example on the pitch and that is what he did."

Carrick also revealed he has been impressed with England manager Roy Hodgson since the 65-year-old took over as national boss.

He added: "I have really enjoyed it, the new manager has had a positive impact on the squad.

"We are playing some good football. Everyone is enjoying it and I think you can see that from the performances.

"The competition for places is nothing new. There has been competition all the time. When I play, I play and enjoy it and do my best and see what happens for the next game."

Carrick accepts England will have to be on top of their game for Tuesday's qualifier with Poland in Warsaw.

He said: "It will be a totally different game without a doubt. They are a much better team and it will be much bigger test.

"We will have to be near our best to get a result over there."