Bolton Wanderers captain Kevin Davies says there's no secret to Gary Cahill's rapid progress this year.

Cahill is in the frame to make his first start for England today against Brazil and has been linked with Manchester United and Liverpool.

Davies told the Bolton News: “When he came to Bolton (from Aston Villa) he was still young and learning but in the last 18 months he has worked really hard at his game,” Davies said. “He is a natural talent but he works hard in the gym. A lot of young players don’t do so much to improve their game but he is always in early, doing the right things.

“Playing against him in training it’s hard to get him off the ball and he’s good going forward as well. He’ll get us a few goals. I didn’t know too much about him when he got here but for us last season he was one of the most consistent performers.

“He rarely makes mistakes and he’s a good lad to have around.”