Gary Megson insists that Gary Cahill has the ability to become a fixture in the England team once he becomes a regular. Despite facing stiff competition for a centre-back berth with Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka and Matthew Upson also challenging the first-choice pair of Rio Ferdinand and Terry, the Trotters boss feels his charge deserves a chance.

"I don't think it makes it more difficult for him that England have qualified for the World Cup," Megson said.

"It is as difficult as it has always been. I think he is the best young English centre-half in the country but he is having to compete with some world-class defenders in Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

"Then you've got Joleon Lescott, Matthew Upson, Phil Jagielka when he gets fit, but I do think if Gary got the opportunity that he would not come out of the team again.

"But he has just got to keep doing well for us and hope that, in doing so, it takes him where he wants to be on the international scene."