Preston boss Simon Grayson has no doubts over the quality of Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Grayson, who had him at PNE, is convinced Sunderland's Pickford will eventually succeed Joe Hart, the Manchester City keeper on loan at Torino, as England's No.1.

Grayson, a four times promotion-winning manager, said: “It would not surprise me if Jordan was in this month's England squad.

“Ultimately, I see him becoming England's No.1. He has all the attributes – he's agile, confident, a shot-stopper and he kicks a good ball.

“He's not the biggest by today's standards but he has a good spring. Jordan is a modern-day goalkeeper. We do a lot of keep-ball sessions at Preston and he didn't look out of place with the outfield players.

“He was as good with his feet as anyone."