Even the prospect of relegation to the Sky Bet Championship did not scare Kieran Trippier during January transfer talks with Newcastle United.
And that summed up his character on the spot according to Eddie Howe who has now backed him to be England's World Cup right-back.
With Reece James, Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold all injured, Trippier could be the man in Qatar for Gareth Southgate.
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Howe said today: "It wasn’t necessarily our intention to make our first signing a ‘statement’ signing, however you want to label it, but I do think it was a good thing, looking back, that it was Kieran because it hopefully helped us with what followed.
"Players look at the calibre of player you’re signing and (think), ‘if he wants to come, it must be a good environment’. People look at things like that."
When asked about Trippier being the right-back for England at the World Cup, Howe said: "Absolutely. Just look at his performances this year, he’s been incredible.
"Even last year, in the brief time he played, he made a massive impact, both on the pitch and off it, in terms of his leadership. He has continued to do the same and we’re seeing more of him because he’s been fitter for longer."
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