Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill says Stephen Warnock deserves a call-up to the England squad.

Warnock comes into the reckoning with Manchester City left-back Wayne Bridge having withdrawn from World Cup selection.

O'Neill told Villa's website: "It would be terrific. And why shouldn't he really?

"He is playing exceptionally well for us and has had a great time here since arriving at the football club.

"He has a great heart to play the game. And I am sure that news [Bridge's absence] will give him and a couple of others vying for that spot an extra incentive.

"It's disappointing obviously that Wayne has decided to pull out of contention - you can obviously understand his reasons for it - but it's an opportunity for other people.

"Stephen had a scare a couple of weeks ago when he had a shin problem. While it hasn't gone completely gone away, I think he is putting his heart and soul into these games and really wants to play in a cup final.

"That's why he arrived - to play in as many of these big games as possible. So why not for him and England? Why not?

"Stephen is as gutsy as they come. He has done fantastically well and he would have as good a chance as anybody if he keeps going."