Having resided in Scotland since September 2000, Thompson is allowed to choose to play for the Scots under new FIFA rules.

Thompson won two caps at Under-21 level and still hopes to be selected for England prior to this summer's European Championship.

One man who is impressed by Thompson's form is England coach Tord Grip, who told TheFA.com what he thinks of the former Bolton and Aston Villa player.

"[He] is very interesting, because he is playing on the left side and is technically very impressive," Tord said.

"I have seen him operate in all sorts of systems for Celtic, including playing as a left wing-back and on the left of a midfield diamond as well as in a more orthodox wide left position.

"Therefore he is a very useful player to us, because he has played in a similar organisation to that we have used for the past few games."

And though flattered to be linked with Berti Vogts' side, Thompson will continue in his efforts to win a place in the England squad.

"I'm hugely honoured to have been linked with Scotland," Thompson told the News of the World.

"It was an unexpected development and no-one was more surprised than me.

"But, after giving the matter serious consideration, I have decided it would be wrong of me to turn out for Scotland.

"I don't understand or agree with those rules. I am an Englishman and was proud to win two caps for the Under-21s.

"That should be the end of the story. I don't believe players should be able to represent countries they have no real link with.

"If I discovered I had some blood link to Scotland such as a grandfather, it might have been different but all my relatives are English and that's the bottom line."

Meanwhile, following newspaper reports linking former captain Alan Shearer with a return to the England fold, The FA's Head of Media Relations Adrian Bevington has clarified the situation, saying:

"Sven has always made clear that he fully respects Alan Shearer's decision to retire from international football.

"He has made this clear in interviews throughout his time in England.

"Additionally, he has stated, as has Tord Grip, that had Alan ever reconsidered his decision, clearly they would have looked towards him figuring in any England squads.

"However, Sven would like to reaffirm his wish to respect Alan's decision and leave the matter there."