The in-form Scott Parker has earned high praise from Gianfranco Zola ahead of this evening's trip to Wigan Athletic.
The midfielder, who has just signed a new contract to 2013, is set to be pivotal again when West Ham United go to the JJB Stadium looking to consolidate their hold on seventh spot in the standings. With one man of the match display after another, Parker has been a driving force of late and Zola thinks it will not be too long before he gets more international recognition.
"I'm not surprised he is playing well," said Zola. "He has played well for so long now. In his position internationally there are so many good players which is probably why he has been out so far. If he performs the way he has been performing week in, week out with the same intelligence and determination then he can get a more regular place in the international side as well."
The 28-year-old Parker was called up for last November's friendly against Germany in Berlin but missed out on a place in last month's game in Spain - when club-mates Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole all figured. Zola thinks Parker can take heart from their call-up. "It is like Robert Green. He kept performing well until he got back in. I'm sure the same thing can happen with Scott Parker."
England are next in action with two internationals at the turn of the month - with Slovakia due at Wembley for a friendly on Saturday 28 March before the vital World Cup qualifier against Ukraine at the stadium on Wednesday 1 April. Parker has played three times for his country and his bidding to become the first player to get his first four caps while representing four different teams.
With eleven league games to go, the manager said international ambitions can help drive the club on - especially with the 2010 World Cup finals looming on the horizon as well. "If you want to be involved you need to be really, really good. Especially in this country where you have such a high level. I'm sure my players know this and we will try to help them get to the next level internationally.
"Fabio Capello picked three West Ham players [last time] so it means he is keeping an eye on West Ham and is trying to cover every team in the league."