Steve Bruce, the Wigan Athletic manager, believes the England squad misses Paul Scholes after the Manchester United midfielder retired from international football four years ago. Fabio Capello will name his England squad soon for friendlies against the United States and Trinidad and Tobago.

Bruce would love the 33-year-old to change his mind. "I had the privilege to play alongside Paul when he was a kid," he said. "He is a fantastic footballer and England has missed him so badly for years now.

"People talk about Frank Lampard and he is a great player but Paul Scholes would get in any England team because of his sheer ability.

"Bobby Charlton once said Paul was his favourite player. When you think of all the great players that have come through United, there cannot be a higher accolade."

Scholes has regained top form after a knee injury and is aiming to help United retain their title with a win on Sunday. He also has a Champions League final to look forward to on May 21 against Chelsea in Moscow. It was fitting Scholes scored the goal that took United past Barcelona in the semi-finals as he missed out through suspension in 1999 when the club famously lifted the trophy to complete the treble.

"Paul deserves to get to the final," Bruce said. "I am so glad he has got his chance, absolutely. The way he conducts himself, the way he shuns publicity is quite refreshing. He just gets on with his job and says nothing."

Manchester United will almost certainly retain the title if they win at the JJB Stadium even if Chelsea beat Bolton Wanderers, given their superior goal difference. Bruce insists he will not be doing Sir Alex Ferguson any favours as they want to finish on a high themselves and extend their five-match unbeaten run.

"This is the best league in the world because of its honesty and integrity," Bruce said. "Make no mistake we will be trying our utmost. Manchester United will expect that as well. They are the best club in the world - not just because I played there - because they do everything in the right way.

"It will be a fascinating spectacle as we are playing arguably our best football at this time and don't want the season to end. There has been an unbelievable turnaround here since Christmas when we were in serious trouble. I have to thank the players and my staff for working incredibly hard."

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