Scholes’ Comeback Could Include England As Butt Claims He Could Play On

Harry Redknapp has admitted that he would love to take Manchester United stalwart Paul Scholes to the Euros with England, with the Tottenham manager strongly linked to the role after Fabio Capello resigned.

Scholes' comeback to Old Trafford this season has shown many critics that age really is just a number, and the 37 year old has admitted that he missed playing professional football, with speculation surrounding him possibly signing a new deal at the club.

And while he continues to star for United, and was a driving force in the side's win over Liverpool at the weekend, Redknapp believes that he would be a great asset for the Engladn squad as they prepare to head to Poland and the Ukraine.

"Let's be honest, you would love to have Paul Scholes in the Euros this year," he said, as reported by ESPN. "He'd be in your team, he's that good.

"Whoever's there would love to take him, I'm sure. You'd love him to play. He plays like the Spaniards, like Xavi [Hernandez] or [Andres] Iniesta. He does not give the ball away."

Redknapp is well known for being open with the media about his feelings on a wide range of subjects, and the Spurs man, who managed his side to a 5-0 thumping over Newcastle on Saturday, also pointed out that Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard would be all-important for the international side.

"You need men in your side, you need characters if you are going to win anything," he explained.

"Frank is still a top player. You write Frank off at your peril. He's still a top player in my opinion. Stevie Gerrard is still a top-class player. We have got some good players in our midfield."

Scholes being in contention for a spot on the England side, and being part of a United squad who are dangerously close to pinching top spot in the table from Manchester City, is a big change from as early as last December for the one-club man. It was thought on occasion that Ferguson would dip into the market in January to purchase a long term replacement for Scholes, but the manager insisted that no such buy would be made.

And when the midfielder made his return against City in the FA Cup, even his teammates were unaware of what was happening until he showed his kit in the change rooms.

But now, he looks likely to play on for United for another season at least, with fellow 1999 treble winner Nicky Butt insisting that he could play for up to two years.

"I don't know what Paul is thinking really. Paul is Paul,' Butt told the Manchester Evening News.

"But if you are asking me at the moment then I would say he will stay on for another year at least.

"I believe he can play for another 12 months without doubt and maybe even two years. I think he should go on beyond the end of the season.

"Every time I have seen him play since he came back he has been very good."