Holland international Boateng witnessed at first hand Vassell's stunning goal-scoring debut for England in the 1-1 draw with the Dutch in Amsterdam on Wednesday.

But the Villa midfielder is calling for club and country to adopt a sensible approach with Vassell and not expect miracles every time he goes out onto the pitch.

Boateng told PA Sport: ``Darius has come so far this season and it's very good for Villa and England.

``To make a debut like he did for his country and score a goal like that is fantastic for him.

``The big difference in him is that he is playing regular first team football now with Villa and that is the only way a manager can show that he has faith in you.

``But people should cherish a talent like that, be careful with him and not try and expect too much, too soon.

``Darius should not be pushed too hard and we should always realise that he is only just a young kid in his first full season of Premiership football and he should be allowed to make mistakes.''

Boateng believes that Vassell's hopes of going to the World Cup finals could depend on how Villa fare in the final three months of the season.

He said: ``Darius has an outside chance to get in and I think it is all down to how well we play in the next 12 games.

``He should be looking at that and praying for it to happen because Villa have got only a chance of qualifying for the UEFA Cup.''