Steve Bruce insists that Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles IS good enough to play for England.
The Toon head coach, who was overlooked by Graham Taylor during his best years as a Manchester United hero, almost turned to the Republic of Ireland to achieve his dream of playing international football.
But even after Taylor left his role in 1993 - after failing to qualify for the World Cup in the USA - Bruce ended his career with a bucket-load of medals but ultimately no caps for either country.
After Lascelles missed out on a call-up on the back of keeping the Harry Kane quiet in the 1-0 win at Spurs, Bruce told Chronicle Live: "That is the next big step for him.
"You have just seen Tyrone Mings appear from nowhere.
"All you can do is keep playing well on the biggest stage.
"I have been very, very pleased with him.
"The next step is now Gareth Southgate. And Gareth is welcome to his opinion."
In some ways, Bruce could not be a better mentor for Lascelles at this moment in time given his own experiences of excelling at club level but failing to win caps.
The United chief reflected: "I nearly played for Ireland because the England thing evaded me.
"My mum was Irish. It never quite happened, however, it was always something I'd loved to have done.
"Who wouldn't want to play for their country?
"It never quite materialised.
"What can you do?"
That is the question for Lascelles right now but at 25 he is still on the right side of his career to make it happen.
Bruce said: "Jamaal just has to keep plodding away.
"The good thing for him is that he is playing every week which can only help."
