December 19 2005

Ben Watson

IAIN DOWIE reckons Ben Watson can become as good as England's Steven Gerrard.

Watson, 20, has been a regular fixture in the Eagles' midfield this season, scoring the injury-time equaliser against Millwall earlier this month.

DOWIE says if Watson becomes more physical and adds goals to his armoury, then he has the ability to become a top player.

DOWIE said: "If Ben learns the uglier side of the game he is going to be an outstanding footballer because he is a passer in the Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard mode, and that is not too big a comment.

"His delivery is excellent. He hit two bad set-pieces against Millwall and must have hit 12 outstanding set-pieces. We need to do him justice because we are not punching our weight at set-pieces, because his delivery is fantastic.

"We've had a couple that have inched by the post, a couple that were very unlucky and one or two that had an industrial use of blockage that they got away with. That happens. We have to keep plugging away. The delivery is right.

"What Ben does need to add to his game, as we all know, is goals. One of the best midfield players who I played with, and was fortunate to coach at Oldham, is John Sheridan.

"He got over 100 goals and was a top player. He was the most aware passer and Ben can do that. Ben has that ability."