Sean Davis says Fulham manager Jean Tigana deserves all the credit after the marauding midfielder earned an England under-21 call-up last week.

Davis was named in Howard Wilkinson’s squad for a meeting with Italy in Monza – that was abandoned after eleven minutes due to foggy conditions – and feels he would have not received international recognition without the Frenchman’s tutelage. Speaking before tonight’s meeting with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, the Clapham-born youngster was quick to praise the new Fulham head coach’s influence on his fantastic First Division form.

“Last season, I was playing wide right in midfield and it’s not really my position. Jean has shown me how to play in a defensive midfield role, which is where he used to play. I know I’ve still got a lot to improve, especially when it comes to switching play, but he is a marvellous coach.”

Davis fretted that he was in disciplinary trouble when he received communication from the Football Association last week – and made contact with Lancaster Gate to make sure they had selected the right player.

“Before the letter came, nobody at Fulham had any idea I had been selected. When I saw the letter, I thought, ‘I’m not in trouble, am I?’ I had never even spoken to Howard Wilkinson, so I rang the secretary at the Football Association. I wanted to make sure they had the right Davis. The lads at Fulham were telling me Italy was a nice one to start my international career, but I also owe a debt of thanks to both my dad and Jean Tigana.”