Hughes believes in Bentley

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes insists David Bentley has it within his grasp to become a permanent feature under new England coach Fabio Capello.

Hughes had hoped that on current form Capello would have selected Bentley on the right wing for last night’s 1-0 friendly defeat to France in Paris as the 23-year-old has been exceptional of late.

Instead, Capello opted to hand David Beckham his 100th cap before replacing the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder with Bentley in the 63rd minute.

Yet Hughes feels Bentley, who has scored nine goals this season, has the quality to keep Beckham waiting on the sidelines in the future.

Hughes said: “David Beckham is a fantastic player, and still of international quality.

“I know him very well personally, and I’m extremely pleased for him.

“But I think most people believe if David Bentley continues to progress as he is doing, then he is the guy likely to take David Beckham’s place long term.

“We hope that’s the case, but the decision is out of anybody’s hands at Blackburn.

“It’s down to David to continue to perform exceptionally well for us as he has done, and then we will see what happens.”

Aaron Mokoena, meanwhile may have forced Roque Santa Cruz out of Rovers’ clash with Reading at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

Santa Cruz limped off with an ankle injury after 23 minutes of Paraguay’s 3-0 friendly defeat to South Africa in Pretoria last night following a poor tackle from Blackburn team-mate Mokoena.

South Africa captain Mokoena was making his 74th international appearance, equalling the previous record set by Shaun Bartlett.

Although it is understood the injury is not too serious, Hughes will not know whether leading scorer Santa Cruz will be fit to face Reading until he is assessed by club physios.

At least Hughes will be delighted fellow striker Benni McCarthy was on the scoresheet, becoming South Africa’s all-time leading scorer with his 30th goal in 70 appearances, breaking the record set by Bartlett.