Jamie Carragher says he is already warming to England new boy David Nugent - after finding he’s a true Scouser.
Carragher got to meet the Preston North End star when the striker joined up with his England teammates for the first time. And it hasn’t taken him long to settle in.
Nugent, a self confessed Everton fan, is already part of the banter in the Three Lions squad and fellow Merseysider Carragher is impressed.
"He seems a normal Scouse lad," he said. "He’s got a bit of a laugh and a joke on him and that’s what you like.
"He’s done well in the last couple of years at Preston and had a great season and I’m sure he’ll be in the Premiership sooner or later. For him to be the first Preston player in the England squad since Tom Finney is great for the lad."
Nugent is hoping to play a part in England’s crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Israel on Saturday, and so is Carragher after an outstanding season at Liverpool.
He has even been described as possibly the best defender in the world by his Anfield teammate Gerrard - but typically Carragher is remaining modest.
"I think Stevie must have been a bit drunk when he said that," he joked.
"Obviously those kind of comments are nice but if you are in good form you have to keep that going. Hopefully I can do that and help us get the result we want this weekend."
Carragher has been tipped to play at left-back in place of suspended Ashley Cole but in typically professional fashion he is remaining tight lipped.
"If that’s the case then great but at the minute we’re still not sure of the make-up of the team," he insisted.
"I’ve played there before and people keep mentioning it but at the minute we don’t know the team so I can’t really say much about it. Hopefully I’m involved but we’ll see what happens."
Carragher is, however, expecting a hostile atmosphere and a difficult match in Tel Aviv but is confident England have what it takes to deal with it all.
"I’m sure it will be hostile but that’s something a player should look forward to. Hopefully the rest of the lads feel the same and it will lift our performance."
The good news for England is that Owen Hargreaves, star of the Three Lions' World Cup campaign, is now fully fit after recovering from a broken leg and ready for action if required in Tel Aviv.
Carragher added: "He’s a fantastic player. He had a great World Cup for us and he’s been a bit of a miss for us. Hopefully with him coming back in he can show what he can do. And hopefully he’ll give us more chance of getting the points."