Jon Flanagan has been backed for an England recall by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, who says the defender will also be rewarded with a new contract at Anfield.
The 21-year-old has been a regular in Rodgers’ side over the last few months, with his versatility in defence proving useful as the Reds have emerged as real contenders for the Premier League title.
Flanagan has been capped by England at U19, U20 and Under-21 level in recent seasons and he featured in last summer’s U20s World Cup in Turkey under Peter Taylor.
Flanagan in action against Iraq during the U20 World Cup
And Rodgers believes another call-up for the Under-21s isn’t far away for Flanagan, following a recent visit from Head Coach Gareth Southgate.
"I had Gareth Southgate down here and he was raving over him," revealed Rodgers.
"He is a wonderful young talent but in order to stay at that level he needs to focus and concentrate on staying in the team.
"He never really featured for me at all at the start, as there was Jose Enrique and others considered in front of him. We spoke a number of times about him going out on loan but no-one came in for him.
"He thought the opportunity might have passed him by, but now he is grabbing it with both hands and doesn't want to let it go.
"You can see the hunger and his quality in his performances."
It’s almost three years since Flanagan first burst onto the Anfield scene as an 18-year-old right-back in 2011.
His appearances for both club and country since then have been restricted by injury, but the Liverpool-born youngster has put that behind him.
And with just over a year remaining on his current contract at Anfield, Rodgers has revealed that he will be offered a new deal soon.
Watch our Twitter chat with 'Flanno' from last summer
"Jon will be given a new contract," said former Reading and Swansea City boss Rodgers.
"Come the summer, he's got another year so he will definitely be given a new deal, no question.
"He has been outstanding. He reminded me of Steve Nicol against Manchester United on Sunday - a right-footed player on the left side, steady, aggressive, no fear.
"He's been a revelation, particularly in the big games and it's great when you see a young player develop like that.
"You can see the confidence he has now. He has made himself an important member of the squad.
"He is young but his performance levels are so mature. They had to change [Juan] Mata over at the weekend, he booted Mata over to the other side and then [Adnan] Januzaj as well. He's not easily fazed. I think the biggest thing for me has been his temperament."
England Under-21s are next in action when they face Wales away in Euro qualifying on Monday 19 May, before travelling to France for the Toulon Tournament.
