Former Aston Villa star Tony Morley is delighted seeing fellow Scouser Stephen Warnock as part of England's World Cup squad.

Morley believes Warnock's laid back character and popularity among his fellow pros owes much to his scouse roots.

He told Villa's website: "I am particularly pleased for Stephen because he's from my hometown. I know his father-in-law.

"He went to the same school as me - St Bede's. He knows a few people I know back home.

"I wish him all the best in the tournament. He's really good to have around in my opinion - his character is important. He's a scouser so he's bound to be a good lad. When Villa were successful in my day there were five or six scousers in the side.

"You need the lads in the dressing room who can have a bit of banter and a bit of a laugh domestically and internationally.

"The dressing room can be a lonely place but if you get a good one it is absolutely fantastic.

"I think that's so important."