Ex-QPR midfielder Joey Barton believes former team-mate Charlie Austin can lay down a claim for an England attacking berth after earning a first international call up.
The Hoops striker excelled in a brilliant breakthrough Premier League season, although his 18 goals proved merely academic as the West London side were relegated back to the Championship at the first time of asking.
Austin’s form was rewarded by England manager Roy Hodgson for the double header with Ireland and Slovenia, and Barton feels the striker has the ability to make an impression, despite being surrounded by goalscoring pedigree.
“At the minute it looks like Harry Kane’s position, but Charlie has the ability to lay down that claim,” the former Manchester City and Newcastle midfielder told Drivetime.
“His goal record speaks for itself. 18 goals for a side that finished bottom of the table is a phenomenal achievement.”
Spurs striker Kane has had a similarly stunning induction to top flight football, and asserted himself as an England starter after making his bow against Slovenia in March with a debut goal.
Austin will be hoping for a similar impact, and Barton is convinced he has the mentality to develop his game to even high levels than he showcased this season.
He said: “The goalscoring ability is natural, you can’t really train for that. The other part of his game – the holding up and lone striker role – he has to improve and he knows he has to improve.
“He always takes on board people’s advice. It’s a fairytale story and it’s great to see him in the England squad and doing well.”
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