West Ham defender Ryan Fredericks is being targeted for a Scotland call-up after holding talks with new manager Steve Clark according to the Daily Record.
The Scottish outlet claims that Fredericks has admitted he would be open to switching his allegiances to play for Scotland over England, having been born in Hertfordshire and having played for the Three Lions’ under-19 side.
The right back, 26, enjoyed a great end to the season under Manuel Pellegrini, featuring in 11 of the last 14 Premier League games after suffering from an ankle injury at the beginning of the campaign.
Hammers’ full-back Fredericks would help Steve Clark fix an area that has been reasonably weak for many years after Alan Hutton’s inconsistencies in the Championship for Aston Villa.
Fredericks really highlighted his talent in the penultimate game of the season against Southampton, where the attacking full-back scored his first league goal for the club in a 3-0 victory.
OPINION
It would seem that this move would be in the best interests of both Scotland and Ryan Fredericks. The West Ham defender didn’t have it easy at his new club, to begin with, playing second fiddle to the experienced Pablo Zabaleta after suffering an ankle injury. Manuel Pellegrini never lost faith in the full-back signed from Fulham and consisted in giving him the chance to prove his worth to the Hammers’ squad, something which he did and more. Scotland, on the hand, are crying out for a right-sided full-back with most of their defensive strengths coming from their left-hand side. Fredericks would be the perfect option to call upon to replace Sheffield Wednesday defender Liam Palmer who hasn’t enjoyed the best of seasons in a poor run to mid-table for his side. Consistent Premier League football has turned Fredericks into a much better player who has adapted to the attacking needs of his role while also staying as strong as possible when needed in defence. This call-up would prove testament to his hard work and could benefit West Ham massively as they will look to move Fredericks into this role more permanently once Zabaleta leaves the club.