The last West Bromwich Albion striker to be called up for England has advised Saido Berahino to stay at The Hawthorns to continue his development.
Cyrille Regis, who made his international debut against Northern Ireland in February 1982, believes the Burundi-born striker has the ability to become a regular for Roy Hodgson’s side. However, Regis believes Berahino, who has scored seven Premier League goals this season, should resist any temptation to move clubs just yet.
“It’s about performing. I don’t think it’s time to talk about movement. It’s come quick and fast for him,” he told the Birmingham Mail. “It’s highly unlikely he would go in January. I wouldn’t even be talking about moving, I know the media want to talk about moving but for him it’s get your head down and play. It’s out of his hands.
“It’s always out of the player’s hands. He just wants to get out and play, he is young in the game, and keep learning.”
After Bill Perry, Colin Viljoen, Brian Stein, John Salako and Wilfried Zaha, Berahino would become the sixth player born in Africa to represent the senior England team since the war if he is selected to face Slovenia or Scotland next week. Regis, who was born in French Guyana, has urged West Brom to ensure they keep hold of their prized asset.
“It’s a predatory game, if he keeps performing like he does with the lack of top class English players, if you want an English core he is going to be up there for the bigger boys definitely,” said Regis.
“It is up to the Albion to keep him. Market forces arise in this situation. Everybody is for sale. I am sure the chairman and the board will recognise that and do whatever is needed.
“He scores goals, he shows a good attitude on the pitch and what is great about him at this moment of time is - he is on form. I hope he gets a look in.”
