Dorival Junior pleased with Oscar's Brazil performances

Jun 11, 2012 2:22:00 PM

The No. 10 has boosted his burgeoning reputation during the recent series of four friendlies, and appears to be guaranteed a place in Mano Menezes' Olympic squad

Internacional coach Dorival Junior has backed Oscar to come back to Porto Alegre an even better player than before following a successful run in the Brazil national team.

Wins against Denmark and the United States were tempered by a 2-0 reverse against Mexico and Saturday's 4-3 thriller against Argentina, as Mano Menezes' London hopefuls were put through their paces ahead of a final squad announcement expected to take place at the start of July. Few players made as great an impact as Oscar, however, who netted a brilliant effort in the Argentina defeat to cap an outstanding tour with the Selecao.

The Inter No. 10 has not played for his club since February due to a contract dispute with former club Sao Paulo. With that issue finally resolved though, Dorival is expecting great things of his starlet when he returns to first-team duties in the Brasileirao.

"Oscar has been putting in good performances since last year, when he was decisive in the Under-20s. I think that experience is key for any professional; it is very important to wear the Selecao shirt to play against great players and teams," the ex-Santos trainer explained to Globoesporte on Monday.

"It will make him gain confidence. That introduction [to the national team] will lead to more motivation, he will take a place [in the Olympic squad].

"Let's encourage him to be an even better player on his return. I think that all this was absolutely crucial for him."

Internacional currently lie fourth in Serie A, and will hope to welcome Oscar back in the team for Saturday's meeting with Botafogo in Beira Rio.

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