"Wes has done unbelievably well lately but I always knew that given a bit of luck he would be a fantastic player. Wes has his feet on the ground, he's a sensible lad and it's great when you see someone come through the ranks and be like that. We have been lucky down the years with that kind of thing amongst the young players here and Wes is another example of that."
"Of course, it's not been easy for him and he sometimes got down when he had his injury troubles, but who wouldn't when you've had a cruciate knee injury, a broken ankle and another knee injury. He has had a succession of set-backs over the last two years and I've always said if he gets a break he'll be a terrific player and that's what we are seeing - the boy is outstanding.
"The worry with Wes was that until he steered clear of injuries we wouldn't see the best of him but the lad has been wonderful. Sometimes he's picked up injuries because he likes a tackle, but his experience will help him in terms of knowing when to tackle and not to."
"I said it when Wes was 18, then 19 and I'll say it now Wes and Rio Ferdinand are definitely capable of becoming the best defenders England have ever had - they are forging a great partnership."
"We have worked hard on the defence this season and the age group of the players we have at the back is very encouraging, they have time on their side."