Versatile Jenas able to fill any role

The Magpies midfielder was named in Sven-Goran Eriksson's 25-man squad for the upcoming European Championship qualifier double header against Liechtenstein and Turkey.

And Platt, who has had the young talent under his wing on both the international front and at club level, is convinced Jenas is capable of playing anywhere Eriksson wants him to.

Former Nottingham Forest boss Platt, himself a former England midfielder, brought the 20-year-old through the ranks at the City Ground and has no doubts about him becoming a success on the international stage.

"JJ (Jenas) can play in goal if he's asked to," said the former Arsenal and Aston Villa star, who also spoke highly of Tyneside teammate Kieron Dyer.

"That may sound stupid but Jermaine Jenas is a footballer whom, whatever position he finds himself in, knows how to play that role.

"He may not have the characteristics to go past someone down the left and whip in a cross with his left leg, but if you asked him to do it he would do it.

"I think Newcastle always knew they were getting a good player when they signed him but I think now they have understood what exactly they have got.

"Early on in his career up there, Newcastle would be leading in games and Bobby (Robson) took him off and put a holding midfield player on - if Bobby had asked the kid to that job he'd have done it and I think Bobby knows that now."

When Platt took over at Forest he first saw Jenas playing as a centre-back in an FA Youth Cup game against Manchester United.

And, despite just being 15 at the time, Jenas immediately impressed his new boss.

That memory has stuck with Platt throughout his days in management and when he first took over the Under-21s squad he admits he did not hesitate in recommending the promising talent to Eriksson.

"The first day I was in the job I went in and spoke with Sven about youngsters coming through," he said.

"I told him he did have one coming through, and Sven said ' who is he?' To which I said you'll know about him in two years. JJ is phenomenal, he hits you in the eyes and he ain't got a weakness.

"When I go to watch games I have a sheet for strengths and weaknesses and with JJ it's what can I put for a weakness? At that point I think of anything just to fill the form in!"

Jenas made his full international debut when he played his part in England's embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Australians at Upton Park earlier this year.

But Platt insists the Newcastle starlet showed enough in that game to suggest he is set to become a permanent fixture in Eriksson's squad.

"Sven asked me about the Australia game beforehand and at the time I said yes JJ's ready. It doesn't matter about his age," said Platt.

"If there is an obstacle in his way, JJ does not think 'oh no there's an obstacle in my way I'd better climb over it', he says 'let's get that out of the way and what's next'. That's what he is like.

"The moment he played against Australia I thought I'd be fortunate to see him again in my Under 21s squad. If I want him I'll have to start organising my games at a different time!"

While lavishing praise on the undoubted talent Jenas possesses, realist Platt was quick to suggest that the versatile footballer must ensure he keeps focusing on making the most of his skills.

"It would be unfair to make comparisons to JJ; all there is to say is that you can't find a weakness in his game," said Platt, who takes his Under-21 side to Portugal tomorrow ahead of their European Qualifier on Friday.

"Now that doesn't mean he's not got to improve the strengths he has already got.

"At the moment we are not talking about him as a 'great', but there is nothing standing in his way to stop him from being a 'great'."

After the match with Portugal, Platt's side then travel back to the North-East ahead of next Tuesday's clash with Turkey at St.James' Park.

Newcastle stars Titus Bramble and Shola Ameobi will be hoping to play their part in front of their own fans.

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