"Shaun will play for England this season - there is nothing that can stop him,' said the Blues boss.

"There is no doubt in my mind he is good enough and he is exactly the type of player they need.

"He is our standard bearer now and the best thing is that Shaun still has so much more in his locker.

"I really think this is going to be a major season for him.'"

Wright-Phillips has enjoyed a good pre-season, scoring an outstanding goal at Doncaster last weekend before netting a rare headed goal as City romped to a 4-0 friendly win over Hull.

While naturally delighted with the goal, what impressed Keegan most about the Londoner's performance was his crossing, for so long a weak point of Wright-Phillips' game.

"His crossing has improved 500%,' enthused the former England coach.

"He could always cross theball but it was just too erratic.

"He would get into good positions but then get over-excited and snatch at it.

"We have done a lot of work with him and some days we wondered whether it was going to sink in but he has really got it now.

"Instead of looking up to see where people are, he just puts it in and lets the forwards worry about getting on the end of it. That means he is getting better contact.

"All our goals last night came from Shaun's involvement in one way or another and the secret of good crossing will stand him in good stead for the remainder of his career."