DON'T tell one Middlesbrough star there is nothing to play for in tomorrow's final Barclays Premier League match with Manchester City.
Boro defender David Wheater will attempt to end the longest season of his career by forcing his way into the England squad.
The 21-year-old's excellent form during his breakthrough season on Teesside earned him a place in Fabio Capello's initial s
quad of 30 for the friendly against France in March, although he did not make the final cut.
However, with end-of season friendlies against USA and Trinidad and Tobago to come after he heads off on under-21 duty for a game against Wales next week, Wheater is hoping to catch the Italian's eye again.
He said: "I have got an under-21s game, so hopefully that is another chance to impress.
"Fabio Capello or someone from his backroom staff will probably be there, so play well and who knows what will happen?"
Wheater was delighted simply to have had his form recognised by Capello, and admits he was not too disappointed to miss out in the end.
He said: "I didn't think I would even get in a 30-man squad anyway, so I wasn't really expecting to be in the final cut.
"But just to be in that 30, it was a fantastic feeling for me and for my family."
A solid display for Boro in Sunday's final game against Manchester City may well be enough to get the nod again, and while Wheater admits a gruelling campaign is starting to catch up with him, he is not booking his holidays just yet.
He said: "Just being in a 30-man squad, I can't really now because if I am in that picture, hopefully I won't be able to go on holiday because I will be in that.
"I am hoping."
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