United's 'new beckham' hailed as a genius
MANCHESTER UNITED'S 'NEW BECKHAM' OLIVER NORWOOD HAILED AS A GENIUS | News Of The World
By Mark Stevenson, 23/11/2009
OLIVER NORWOOD could find himself fast-tracked into Northern Ireland's bid to reach the Euro 2012 finals.
The Burnley-born teenager, who turned his back on England, is ticking all the right boxes as far as boss Nigel Worthington is concerned.
"The lad is a genius," said Worthington after watching the Manchester United midfielder score two stunning set-piece goals for the Under-21s against Germany and Czech Republic.
"He is going to be a very good player," predicts Worthington. "What he can do with the ball from free-kicks is remarkable."
The expectation levels are already rising for a player who qualifies for the Irish through his parentage.
Hailed as the new David Beckham at United, the 18-year-old made his England Under-16 debut against Belgium four years ago but now looks certain to be featuring in Worthington's future plans.
Worthy added: "From the day I first worked with him, you could see his technique and ability were excellent.
"In fact, his quality at free-kick situations is amazing for his age.
"You always know that eight or nine times out of ten, he is going to score when he places the ball for a free.
"It is a great talent to have on top of his impressive general play."
Norwood's eye-catching displays in the United Academy have elevated him into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reserve side, but he isn't letting success go to his head.
"I just want to keep playing to the best of my ability," said Norwood. "I've been involved with United since I was seven so I have been lucky."
His free-kick prowess has inevitably drawn comparisons with Beckham and Norwood admits he has taken a leaf out of the former England skipper's book.
"I spend hours practising. I love the challenge of beating the keeper."
Worthington, who has now opened talks on a new contract with Irish FA president Raymond Kennedy, is encouraged by the progress of several players in the U-21 ranks.
He says: "The future is full of positives as far as I am concerned."