Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey has backed team-mate Nathan Delfouneso to make the grade for England.
Villa youngster has 'great career' ahead
Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey has backed team-mate Nathan Delfouneso to make the grade for England.
Delfouneso is preparing to spearhead the Three Lions under-19s side in the European Championship in France this summer and has a chance to showcase his talent.
The young striker has already made an impact for Villa, scoring twice in the Europa League in 2008/2009 and bagging his first Premier League goal last season.
And Heskey feels the frontman - who has already represented the England under-21s - has the ability that could make an international star of the future.
Manager Fabio Capello has already vowed to bring in "new players to give the team new energy" following his team's disastrous World Cup exit.
That means the likes of Delfouneso could be in contention to feature for the country sooner rather than later and Heskey says the 19-year-old is a bright prospect.
"Nathan has done really well," said 32-year-old Heskey, who endured a tough tournament in South Africa.
"He has not had that many chances to come on and play but, when he has, he has shown what he is capable of. He is a good player for the future.
"He got himself involved in the England set-up from an early age. He is a great prospect for the future and he has got a great career ahead of him.
"You've got to bide your time but when you get an opportunity, take it, and Nathan knows that himself. He knows what he is capable of doing."
