Nabil 'an inspiration' - Andros

Andros Townsend says Nabil Bentaleb's rise from our Under-21s to the World Cup will provide inspiration for every youngster at the club.

The midfielder - still just 19 - made his debut at Southampton on December 22 and went on to make 20 appearances for the first team last season.

Nabil’s performances led to an international call from Algeria, his debut in March and a place in Algeria’s World Cup squad for Brazil.

He then started all three group matches as Algeria progressed to the knockout stage, when they were beaten but went down fighting against Germany in the last 16 on Monday.

Andros may well have followed Nabil to Brazil in England’s squad but for injury, but still travelled to the event in a new role as a pundit for ITV.

“I got the chance to cover a couple of Belgium games and Algeria and it was great to see Nabil involved out there,” said Andros.

“You look at him 12 months ago and he was in our Under-21s and there he is, 12 months down the line he’s at the World Cup playing for Algeria. It’s so good to see him play well as well.

“What Nabil has done is show you have to believe in your ability.

“When you get two, three, four young players coming through it gives everyone that extra inspiration, that belief that if they maintain their form they will get a chance in the first team and not only for the club, but Nabil has gone on to play for Algeria and is now at the World Cup.”