Star for England and stay at Leeds, Bowyer told

Leeds supporters are hoping Lee Bowyer will look upon his England debut tomorrow as a reason to remain at Elland Road.

Bowyer is almost certain to start in the Villa Park friendly against Portugal and so finally realise a dream.

The 25-year-old Leeds midfielder was found not guilty on charges of grievous bodily harm with intent and affray in relation to an assault on Asian student Sarfraz Najeib last December.

Despite a near two-year international ban imposed by the Football Association then lifted, debate raged as to whether he should ever be selected for England.

He will now get his chance, although his future continues to remain clouded with a five-year contract – on the table all year – unsigned.

After his exorbitant wage demands led to the collapse of a £9m summer move to Liverpool, an out-of-contract Bowyer looks poised to move on at the end of the season.

United fans desperately want Bowyer to stay at Elland Road, as witnessed by songs of ‘sign your

contract’ following his goal against West Brom a fortnight ago.

“Representing England is a great honour for Lee and something which has been a long time coming,” said Leeds’ Supporters Club chairman Ray Fell.

“He has finally got the recognition his play has warranted and now it’s up to him to grab this chance.

“As for his future, that is in his hands, and he seems to be aware of that. Terry Venables has played it carefully and is waiting to see how it develops.

“But he has the opportunity to stay with us and hopefully he will seize it and stay with us for many years to come.”

Nigel Martyn, meanwhile, is backing the man who has taken his place for both club and country to shine for England tomorrow.

Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson is poised to make his senior debut when coach Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side face Portugal in a friendly at Villa Park.

Robinson was finally given the first-team chance he has long craved at Elland Road when Martyn refused to go on Leeds’ pre-season tour to Australia and the Far East.

It was a decision which riled Leeds Venables, one which has now not only cost Martyn his place with United, but also with England as Robinson is joined by West Ham’s David James in the squad to face Portugal.

For Robinson, it is a long-overdue call-up as he was on the brink of being named in the England squad almost two years ago at a time when he last ousted Martyn from the Leeds line-up, only for the 36-year-old to return from injury and reclaim his place.

Since then, and prior to the start of this season, Robinson had not been given a look-in, but is now making the most of his chance – and with Martyn’s support.

“He has been very patient and I am sure he won’t let England down if he plays against Portugal at Villa Park,” said Martyn.

Martyn also insists there is no animosity with Robinson.

“Of course we are rivals, but we are also close friends so there is no bitterness between us,” added Martyn.

“We encourage each other because it is vital when matchday comes that our preparation is right.

“We both work very hard in training and naturally I want to win my place back from Paul. I know that will be hard because he is such a good keeper.”