Sol- easy to stay top

Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell believes players can 'hide' at the biggest clubs and maintain their international credentials.

Campbell was a first-choice for England while playing for Arsenal, but the centre-back has since been consigned to the international fringes following his move to Fratton Park in 2006. Steve McClaren recently rewarded Campbell for his impressive Pompey form with a return to the England first XI for the Euro 2008 qualifying double-header against Estonia and Russia earlier this month. However, Campbell insists it is easier for players who are in title challenging teams to retain a place in the international fold.

Rubbish

"Some people think someone is playing well because they are in a big team or that players should be picked for their country just because they are at a high-profile club," said Campbell. "That's rubbish. A lot of players can hide in big teams. If you're playing for a major club it doesn't mean you're playing well. That's what people have to realise. "There are people in top teams around the world who aren't playing good football. "You've got to look at the player not the club. You can have 10 bad games a season in a big team and get away with it."

Skysports

My opinion;

If you are at one of the top clubs though surely its because you are one of the top players in your position in the world and therefore should be starting for your country? Yes in some cases I agree with Campbell, I mena at times some key players or some very good players are ignored because they are not at a top 4 club but to be honest you want your international players playing for the big clubs don't you? I don't think its easy for these players to hide behind their clubs, if anything they are more exposed to the critics? I mean look at Rio, he was in great form for United but because he made a couple of errors which I don't believe cost England a goal he was slated for it. Look at Rooney, he is usually key to United, he scores goals in bursts and we all love him but as soon as he puts on an England shirt he doesn't perform all the time and doesn't get the goals and is slated for it.