Former Town skipper Jason De Vos has revealed that England made an enquiry regarding loanee Blues keeper Asmir Begovic before he switched international allegiance from Canada to Bosnia. The Portsmouth man is in the Bosnia squad for this weekend’s World Cup play-off first leg against Portugal, having made his debut last month.

Begovic’s defection to the country of his birth after playing for Canada, where he grew up, at youth levels has caused controversy in North America, but in a column for CBC Sports De Vos says the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) could have prevented the 22-year-old from making the move: “You may… believe that the CSA gave Begovic every opportunity over the years to don the Canadian jersey, and that his decision to play elsewhere is down to no one but himself - that is certainly the answer that you will get from anyone involved with the national side.

“But here is an interesting piece of information that might influence your opinion - the CSA was warned about Begovic's situation months ago.

“I received a phone call from my former agent in the UK prior to Canada's game against Cyprus in May. He gave me some information about one of his clients - Asmir Begovic - who hadn't been called up for the Cyprus game.

“He told me that the English FA had asked him whether there was a possibility that Begovic could obtain English citizenship. At the time, Begovic was regarded as the best goalkeeper under the age of 21 in the UK, and if he were to obtain an English passport, he would very likely be selected to play for the England U21s.

“I passed that information on to the Canadian national team through the necessary channels, and it was met with relative indifference. There was certainly no urgency to seek a commitment from Begovic, nor was there any real fear that Canada was in danger of losing one of its players.”

Begovic, who is on loan with the Blues until January, has so far made five appearances since making his move to Portman Road last month.

Photo: Action Images

newburyblue added 09:38 - Nov 11 Didn't see his first 4 games, but went to Reading game at the weekend. I wasn't overly impressed with him to be fair, his kicking was especially poor. However, you can't argue with the fact our form / results have definitely improved since he's been between the sticks... coincidence?!?
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byebyesheepshanks added 09:43 - Nov 11 You've ruined his clean sheet Newburyblue & this now makes 2
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Surco72 added 11:33 - Nov 11 Coincided with Wrights recall to the defence and easier teams and games
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fredbarber added 12:10 - Nov 11 Something off subject a bit, still think de vos has'nt been replaced since he left at the end 07/08 season. He got a lot of stick for being slow when he was here, but I think we miss his leadership at the back. He was a man mountain and gave his all.
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Mark added 12:36 - Nov 11 I think Begovic has done well since he came in and freshened things up a bit. However, as has been mentioned the matches have not been as tough as the teams Richard Wright faced (WBA, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sheff Utd...) and David Wright's return has made a big difference too. Begovic looks a fair signing, although he is only here temporarily and I would rather have seen a loan striker coming in. I agree De Vos hasn't been replaced - a tall, strong leader who wins everything in the air.

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ITFC1985 added 12:44 - Nov 11 McAuley to his credit does not miss much in the air but i dont think he's got De Vos's mentality, De Vos was slow but he read the game so well so he didnt need to rely on his pace because he was at the right place when he needed to be, McAuley is very good in the air but for some reason switches off which has cost us goals but i feel he has been better since he lost he captaincy

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C_Thomsen added 21:36 - Nov 11 I saw Bego at Reading too, and he didn't really convince me. Mostly that he is punching instead of grabbing the ball, and his kicking being poor too. That said what you will often see is that the defence will be more aware if they know they are unsure about his ability. That's what I am finding more than when Richard was in. The defence seemed to rely to much on him in the end.

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superblueflude added 13:42 - Nov 12 C thomsen your comments baffle me "Defenders are more aware if they know they are unsure about his ability" I think you'll find that its the opposite. The defence has been more solid since wrights been dropped as he kept running out, chasing balls, dropping etc etc - Bego is solid, commands his box and that maks his defense more confident knowing that even if they slip up they have confidence in there keeper

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nysully added 14:09 - Nov 12 Jason de Vos read on the Shane Supple retirement, gives a little insight that we haven't heard before with regards to Shane's stature with the club while Jason was captain http://www.cbc.ca/sports/blogs/2009/08/young_ipswich_goalkeeper_wise.html
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