Jerome ready for the call

[Mark (Blue Army)]

Jerome Boateng is hoping to get the nod from Roberto Mancini for tonight's pre-season friendly against Valencia.

The German defender has not had any match action since Germany's third-place play-off match against Uruguay on July 10th, but he is keen to get into contention with one eye on the start of the league season at White Hart Lane next Saturday.

"Training has been very good so far," declares the 21-year-old, "on a different level to what I was used to in Germany but I've enjoyed it.

"The guys have been great to me, people like Ade and Nigel are very funny to be around so the atmosphere has been very good. I'm looking forward to playing if the Manager picks me. I want to play, it's been a few weeks since I last played but I am ready if the Manager wants me."

Signed from Hamburg just before the World Cup, Jerome's versatility shone in South Africa, where he impressed at left-back for the outstanding German side. Although more often used at centre-half while at Hamburg, he is happy to play wherever asked and adds:

"I see myself in the middle, that's my favourite position, but I can play right or left, I don't mind where the Manager asks me. He has told me he sees me either in the middle or at right back, that's no problem to me."

mcfc.co.uk

[BlueMoonAwoken]

I never realised he was that fast! but for a big lad he can move cant wait to see rooney running scared from him and yaya.