Former Manchester City striker Shaun Goater is upset for Kyle Walker over his injury setback.

Walker underwent groin surgery last week to leave his hopes of making England's World Cup squad in serious doubt.

The ex-Tottenham and Sheffield United star has 70 caps for the Three Lions and has been a mainstay in each of the last three major international tournaments.

Goater has no doubt about where Walker stands in City's history and is hopeful he can make Qatar 2022. On behalf of OLBG, he told Tribalfootball.com: "I think Kyle Walker can be included in the world class level.

"He starts most if not every game, Pep Guardiola knows he can rely on him.

"He's one of those players where you ever see an opposition player out-running him or getting the better of him.

"He's been a very consistent player since he joined the club. For me, the belief a manager has in you comes from the amount you play and like I said when Kyle Walker is fit and available, he typically plays.

"It shows you that Pep believes in him and his quality in this team."

Goater says the only problem Walker has had in his career has been down to himself and the odd lapse in concentration in key games.

He explained: "From Kyle Walker's point of view, the only time he's had difficulty is through himself.

"It's never been another player taking him to town or he's struggled up against an opponent, I think it's been down to him.

"It could be a lack of concentration in the odd game, but when he goes from a 9/10 to a 7/10 it's because of himself, not because a winger beats him.

"He's set his own standards and I think that at the club it's down to what the manager thinks which is quite high.

"If you were to ask the Manchester City fans about their all-time teams, then I think Walker is in 70% of the supporters' teams which speaks volumes to me."