Tony: Be Patient With Glen

Academy Director Tony Carr has warned against people expecting too much too soon from teenage defender Glen Johnson.

His profile has risen in recent weeks and he has been selected for Martin Hunter's England Under-19 squad to play a friendly with Germany at Portman Road on on Thursday, February 14.

But Tony says: "We mustn't rush these things or expect too much, but we hope he can blossom and become the player we all think he can.

"He has captained England at his age band, he is a regular reserve team member, and he is climbing the ladder slowly. We are very proud of him achieving international honours and we always felt that he had the credentials to go all the way.

"He has only taken one more step forward - but we do all feel that Glen could have a very bright future."

Adds Glenn Roeder: "Glen is a player that we have got great hopes for, but he is only 17 and not 18 until August.

"He is certainly well fancied by all the coaching staff and we hope he will progress into the player we want him to be."

Another youngster of whom there are high hopes is Richard Garcia, who has come through the ranks with the likes of Joe Cole.

Glenn is not too concerned that he has not yet broken into the first team regularly despite leaving his teenage years behind, and explains: "Some boys take that bit longer, perhaps 21, 22, or even 23 before they come up to the standard. We still feel there are one or two like Richard that we'd like to keep next season, and if we are patient with them they might just do that."

Meanwhile, negotiations are ongoing about Liam Rosenior, who has played two reserve games on trial with the Hammers.

"He is certainly a good prospect," says Tony of the 17-year-old, "and he has done very well in two reserve games he played.

"It is now between Glenn and Bristol City to come to some agreement as to whether we can sign him on a permanent basis or extend his stay - but it is by no means done and dusted."