Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is adamant Darren Bent can thrive on the international stage.
McLeish insists he has the mental toughness to exorcise the pain of his miss in the last game for England against Switzerland and come back firing when the new campaign begins.
He told Villa's website: "People doubted him for England and he's started to score for England. He'll be scrutinised. He's now seen as a top player and the minute he misses a chance for England or has an off game he'll be criticised.
"But it's all part of what I've talked about in terms of having the mental toughness to withstand the flak and just get on with your job."
