Both Eric Black and Steve Coppell have backed David Dunn for an England call-up.
Birmingham midfielder David Dunn has been backed for an England call-up following his side's 1-1 draw with Reading in the FA Cup fourth round.The Premiership side had to come from behind to ensure a replay, with Dunn netting the leveller and enlivening a robust but creatively sterile affair after coming off the bench.
Dunn managed to inject some life into Birmingham's midfield, in a performance that had Blues assistant boss Eric Black claiming the player was close to his best again.
Black believes that should Dunn avoid the injuries that have plagued his career thus far, then an England call-up and even the World Cup is very much a possibility.
"He always makes a difference. He looks forward, is always trying to create but he has had a long-term injury and difficult surgery with it,'' said Black.
"Every week he is getting better and better and, although we have to be very careful we don't bring him back too early, he is getting closer and closer to starting.
"He has things that very few people in the country have. He always plays off his front foot, he has got disguise and is a very composed finisher as we have seen today.
"He has got all the attributes to play at the highest level, there is no question. He is a top player, a spark. He sees things in the final third that other players don't.
"He is desperate to get back to playing football and although we don't want to rush him ultimately he has got to go out and play - hopefully soon.
"He needs to get a run of games from now to the end of the season but if he performs like he can there is no reason to say why he can't make it in time for the World Cup."
Reading boss Steve Coppell was equally glowing in his praises, also of the opinion that Dunn has all the capabilities to shine on the brightest stage.
"He is a quality player. He should be on the England fringes, shouldn't he? I think everyone would say that,'' said Coppell.
"He has had a really unlucky time with injuries and is being nursed back so he doesn't have any more setbacks.
''I wish they had nursed him a little bit longer though."
