Tuesday 30 December 2014 19:34, UK
England boss Roy Hodgson says Danny Welbeck's form since signing for Arsenal has justified his faith in the 24-year-old.
Welbeck struggled to establish himself as a regular starter with Manchester United, but earned the backing of Hodgson at international level where he has scored 12 goals from his 32 caps.
His move to the Emirates has seen him gain significantly more game time this season with Welbeck scoring seven goals for the Gunners since arriving for £16m on Transfer Deadline Day in September, including the winner against West Ham on Sunday.
"Danny Welbeck, of the young England players, is one of the most experienced because we have always kept faith with him," Hodgson told FATV.
"Even in the first squad I selected in 2012, Danny was in it, despite the fact that at the time he wasn't featuring for Manchester United.
"We've kept faith with him through that time until his move to Arsenal where he is now getting lots and lots of plaudits."
Hodgson said Welbeck was one of several young England players who were beginning to feature more frequently for their club sides.
"Strangely in the last six months I have to choose less and less of these younger players who don't get a game in their starting line-ups for their teams because they seem to have broken into their starting line-ups, which I'm pleased about," added Hodgson.
"I would like to hope that some of their performances for England have even accelerated their chances of being one of the first names on their club team sheet."
