Walcott could pay dividends - Green

JONATHAN REDHEAD Norwich City goalkeeper Robert Green has described Arsenal striker Theo Walcott as an “unknown quantity” after the 17-year-old was picked for the England squad.

JONATHAN REDHEAD

Norwich City goalkeeper Robert Green has described Arsenal striker Theo Walcott as an “unknown quantity” after the 17-year-old was picked for the England squad.

Walcott, who signed for the Gunners by Arsene Wenger in a deal which could be worth up to £12m, has yet to make an appearance for the London side.

But Green, denied the teenager's selection was a massive surprise and said he could make all the difference in Germany.

“Names have been batted around so it's not really a surprise but when the speculation materialises into reality its different,” he said. “I'm sure the manager (Sven-Goran Eriksson) knows what he can do and has spoken to Arsene Wenger enough to get a full picture of what he's capable of and feels confident he's someone who can go along and make a difference within the squad.

“You've got someone like Peter Crouch who's got the height and can create difficulties in that way and you need something a bit different in another way.

“I'm sure the international teams are scrambling about for footage of Theo Walcott. He's an unknown quantity but that's what the manager feels we need.”

And the City stopper, who will be hoping for a chance of his own at the World Cup, said Eriksson's decision to pick Walcott should not be judged just yet.

“It's something only people can judge after results,” he said. “If it works out it's a wonderful success, if it doesn't it's a disappointment.”