Dean coming to terms with life in the spotlight

CENTRE OF ATTENTION . . . Dean Furman is enjoying his new-found fame.

WHEN the national press descend on Boundary Park for a pre-game press conference, it is worthy of note.

These occasions tend to occur when Premier League football is off the agenda.

But this week media interest in Athletic's affairs has been for a strictly local reason: Dean Furman.

Dean’s recent travels with the South Africa national team have been eye opening: the midfielder has had a huge spotlight shone on him.

"When I was there I’d turn on the television and there would be a chat show about the team and the players and it’s strange when they are talking about you.

"The media attention is huge and the nation is right behind the team., so we want to give them a team to be proud of."

It is ironic that as Furman struggles to hold a place in Athletic's first-choice XI, his star has never been higher. Recent appearances in Poland and Kenya have taken his cap tally to four, and injury appears to be the only thing that can stop the Cape Town-born player being named in South Africa's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations next year.

"The exciting thing for South Africa is that it is on home soil," he added. "And everyone saw how good a show they put on for the World Cup.

"I am sure it will be the same. The stadiums and the structure are there to host a great tournament and I am sure it will be one for South Africans to be proud of."

Furman says he has had no problems integrating into the set-up. Whether it’s a freezing night in Hartlepool or a cut-up field in Nairobi used hours before for a march featuring horses, Furman's approach to his sport is one and the same.

"I have really enjoyed my trips with the squad. They are a great bunch and I really enjoy being with them. But it’s all football. We do the same things and I try to play the same game and I look at it that I have to be myself, whether it is training or a game.

"I try to not get carried away with what is going on around me."



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