Wilkins hopes to see Terry back in international shirt

FOrMer england midfielder ray Wilkins says John Terry’s “superb” club form merits an international recall.

Terry, 32, won 78 caps but quit the international stage in september 2012 in the wake of the racism row involving anton Ferdinand.

However, Wilkins believes england manager roy Hodgson must consider asking the chelsea skipper to return from his self-imposed exile ahead of next year’s World cup in Brazil.

Wilkins said: “Gary cahill hasn’t been in the starting XI for chelsea and I think Jose [Mourinho] prefers David Luiz and John Terry, who I must say if roy could have a little chat with [him he should, because] he was absolutely superb yesterday against cardiff.

“I don’t think we are blessed with too many centre-halves and if we could persuade John to have another go at [playing for england we should, because] he was superb yesterday.

“I have no idea [if he would be interested in an england return] as I haven’t had the conversation with him. But it certainly would be one I’d be having if I was the england manager. I have absolutely no idea how it ended with him in the dressing room. I’ve never had the conversation with John.”

Terry retired from the national side after claiming his position had become “untenable” when the Football association decided to pursue racism charges against. He was cleared at Westminster Magistrates’ court of racially abusing Ferdinand during a Premier League game in October 2011 but was later banned for four matches.

Terry’s final appearance for england was the 5-0 World cup qualifying win away to Moldova 13 months ago.

He made just 11 league starts last season but has played all seven topflight games since Mourinho returned to stamford Bridge and was impressive as chelsea beat cardiff 4-1 on saturday.

However, the Fa’s director of football development, Trevor Brooking, suggested Hodgson is more likely to turn to younger options. and Hodgson was this week asked if Terry could force his way back into his World cup plans.

“I like John Terry, he did a fantastic job for me at the euros,” said Hodgson. “But it’s not the moment to start resurrecting that.”