Matt praises Cole for WC Support...

Last updated : 16 April 2002 By Matt

Jansen: Happy in run up to World Cup action...
First call up for Jansen's comes jusr prior to the friendly against Paraguay at a time when Cole is frozen out of the international set-up.

Matt announced that Cole was the first to congratulate him and offer encouragement.

Jansen said:"Andy has also helped me a lot and he wished me all the best.

"He gave me a great big hug when he knew I'd been selected.

"He is a quality player and proven goalscorer who creates space for you and we have done well together and scored goals.

"It has been like a breath of fresh air since he arrived."

Like Vassell, Jansen appeared to be down the pecking order for a ticket to Korea and Japan. He is determined to take a leaf out of Darius Vassell's book...

Vassell's stunning goal on his England debut against Holland in Amsterdam put him in the driving seat for the fifth striking spot behind Michael Owen, Emile Heskey, Robbie Fowler and Teddy Sheringham.

Jansen is now looking to take advantage of his 11th-hour call-up, and Vassell's dip in club form.

Matt said: "I can definitely take heart from what has happened with Darius Vassell.

"He came in for his debut and did fantastically well for England.

"If I can copy that then I will be delighted.

"I may only get 45 minutes against Paraguay or even less to show what I can do.

"I know it is a late chance for me, I had almost given up.

"It's up to me to make the most of the opportunity.

"But I am just going to enjoy it and whatever happens will happen."

Jansen's call-up also completes his rehabilitation from his last England involvement when he received a three-month Football Association ban for breaking a drinking curfew while on England Under-21 duty in May 2000.

Since joining Rovers and linking up with Cole, Jansen has progressed and fulfilled the potential many saw him in when he was at Carlisle.

He said: "When I was playing for Carlisle everyone was saying that I would play for England one day and I am living out a dream at the moment.

"But I hope it will continue and be a successful dream.

"I am very confident I can make the step up at senior level with the squad.

If Jansen does make Eriksson's 23-strong party top the Far East, it will give him the perfect excuse to miss his brother's wedding.

His brother Joseph's wedding is scheduled for June 15 in Canada.