Harlee Dean believes Andre Gray has the talent to represent England as the Brentford defender faces the unenviable task of keeping the Burnley striker quiet tonight.
Gray, as the Championship's leading goalscorer, should be on England's radar, especially given that Jay Rodriguez, Danny Ings and Daniel Sturridge all have injury problems.
Roy Hodgson has Jamie Vardy, Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe all at his disposal but, if one of those were to suffer an injury, a call-up for Gray will become even more likely.
And Dean believes the striker has the talent to earn an international cap one say day.
He said: “I think he could go on and play for England one day. If he finishes top scorer this season why wouldn’t teams be looking at him?
"Or Burnley could go up themselves. He’s got every attribute, so why not? That’s why he’s got such a big price tag.”
In pictures: Andre Gray's Brentford career
Dean is delighted for Gray to be enjoying such a meteoric rise, when he was playing in non-league football just two years ago.
He explained: “Andre’s done unbelievably well since his move and has come on leaps and bounds. He’s a top player and deserves everything he gets.
“He’s strong and powerful, and added more to his game, so it’s going to be a tough test for me.”
The defender added: “We still speak now. It will be good to see him and play against him. We’re friends off the pitch but when we’re on it we’ll be giving as good as we can get.
“It will be tough. We know him well but we’ll be up for the challenge.
“We’ve had a few losses in a row now, so we’ve got to try and turn it around.”
