ones and Smalling hail ‘unique’ Manchester United veteran Scholes

The Old Trafford pair praised the midfielder, who returned to the side in January having retired at the end of last season, and believe he should make England’s Euro 2012 squad

 Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have hailed the impact that Paul Scholes has had since his return to Manchester United in January.

 

The 37-year-old, who has won 10 Premier League titles during his Red Devils career, retired at the end of last season but was brought back to help an injury-ravaged United midfield at the start of 2012.

As his fitness has increased, so has the level of his performances, and Jones is in awe of the veteran's lingering ability.

"He's a terrific player," the defender told The Daily Mail. "When you see him in training, the things he does, it’s a joke.

"He is like a magnet to the ball. The positions he takes means he is always around the ball, always there to receive the ball, always there to support play."

With Euro 2012 set to get underway in less than two months, Smalling believes that the experienced midfielder would be a great inclusion in the England squad.

"He is unique," the youngster enthused.
"There are moments in the game when it is all rushed and he settles it down when he gets the ball. He has the ability to dictate.
"Come the summer there may well be calls for him to be included in the England squad and it will be because he is a player in great form and someone I’m sure any England manager would want."
Scholes turned down the opportunity to play at World Cup 2010 when Fabio Capello was in charge of the Three Lions setup, but Jones believes that his age should not affect his potential inclusion this time around.
"I don’t see why, [his age would count against him]" said Jones. "I think as long as you are mentally one or two steps ahead of people on the field, I don’t think it will be a problem."