Jordan Henderson's call-up by England has lifted all the players at Sunderland, admits teammate Nedum Onuoha.
On-loan Manchester City defender Onuoha concedes that the England call-up for midfielder Henderson - four years his junior - has sharpened the international appetites of a Sunderland side who are now eyeing the European places.
He said: "Jordan's call up can inspire everyone. From the start of the season he's been playing very well.
"There's been a lot of noise about him being selected for England and the proof is there that it's possible. It shows if you're playing at your best, who knows what can happen?''
Ironically, Onuoha's emergence as Sunderland right-back has helped team-mate Phil Bardsley start his international career for Scotland after switching to left-back.
Onuoha quipped: "You wouldn't have thought that would you? I used to think he was from Salford!''
And he is equally light-hearted about that 'Diego' nickname. "He was a great player, but he's retired now - so are they saying I should retire?''
