Northern Ireland's Paddy McNair has been drawing comparisons to German legend Franz Beckenbauer.
The Middlesbrough midfielder is currently on international duty for the UEFA Nations League.
Northern Ireland play Romania in Bucharest on Friday and then return to Belfast to host Norway next Monday.
McNair was in action for Boro last week in two friendly wins against Plymouth Argyle.
They are now preparing for a Carabao Cup meeting with Shrewsbury, but will be without McNair and midfield partner George Saville.
When quizzed about a lack of new signings so far this transfer window, manager Neil Warnock said he was happy with his current squad.
He also singled out McNair for unique praise after the win over Plymouth.
“They’ve surprised me with the quality of football, they’ve stepped up four or five gears," he said.
"The two up top have been a revelation, and Paddy McNair was like Beckenbauer at Plymouth.”
