Five Championship Players That Could Cut it in The Premier League

The good accounts that West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle United and Blackpool have given of themselves so far in the Premier League has prompted a handful of pundits to declare that the gap between the nPower Championship and the top division is gradually closing.

Whether that statement is true or not is perhaps a debate for another day, but following the decent starts made by the three promoted clubs there can little doubt that there is an abundance of talent currently plying their trade in the second tier of English football.

And with all that in mind, here are five that could cut the mustard in the Premier League.

Connor Wickham, Ipswich Town

Tractor Boys boss Roy Keane has parted with a decent amount of cash in the transfer market during his tenure at the club, but the most exciting player in his ranks is a product of the club’s youth system.

Youngster Wickham excelled during the summer, scoring a handful of goals as England under 17s won the European Championships.

Injury has robbed the striker from full participation so far this season, but Wickham caused enough problems for defences last year to suggest he won’t be in the Championship too much longer.

Tottenham Hotspur are thought to have had a bid turned down in the summer and Ipswich fans should brace themselves for more offers in the January transfer window.

Best Suited For: Liverpool

Peter Whittingham, Cardiff City

No matter what level you play at, scoring 25 goals in one season from midfield is a special achievement and that is exactly what Whittingham managed last season.

The former England under 21 international has had a taste of Premier League life with Aston Villa, but since those days Whittingham has matured as a footballer.

One of the 25-year-olds major assets is his ability from dead ball situations, something that has proved priceless during numerous tight encounters for the Bluebirds.

If Cardiff don’t gain promotion this time around then Whittingham could be moving up without them.

Best Suited For: Fulham

Lee Camp, Nottingham Forest

Watford stopper Scott Loach receives a lot of the plaudits in the Championship while Camp’s performances at Forest often go unnoticed.

Despite this Camp is comfortably the best shot stopper in the whole division and a big reason why Billy Davies’ men have such a proud unbeaten room record nearing 30 matches.

Tricky Trees manager Davies is frustrated at the lack of funds available to him and could be tempted to sell his keeper should the price be right.

Best Suited For: Aston Villa

Darren Ambrose, Crystal Palace

Without the goals of Ambrose then there is a fair chance that Palace would have been relegated to League One last season.

The midfielder was arguably the bargain of the season when boss Neil Warnock secured his services for free.

Ambrose has had Premier League experience with Ipswich Town, Newcastle and Charlton Athletic, never looking out of his depth in the process.

Another season mirroring his contributions of last year and the bigger clubs could come calling.

Best Suited For: Wigan Athletic

Jimmy Bullard, Hull City

Likeable rogue Bullard is currently not flavour of the month will the management at Hull with a return to the Premier League looking likely in January.

The midfielder enjoyed goalscoring spells in the top flight with Wigan and Fulham, but the midfielders switch to Hull turned downhill after the Tigers were relegated.

Bullard’s performances while in the Premiership also earned him a call up to the England squad.

Providing he can steer clear of injury, Bullard would be a useful acquisition for a host of bigger clubs.

Best Suited For: West Ham

Category: The Championship