Taylor was impressed with the contribution of the 20-year-old Manchester United midfielder, currently on loan with West Bromwich Albion, in the 2-0 European Championship qualifying victory over Azerbaijan at Middlesbrough.

Taylor said: "I know that West Brom are delighted with him. I'm not sure about him for the senior squad yet, this was only his second Under-21 start.

"But he's quick, has all the skills, and is benefitting from a run of games. He'll be invited back by us again, and he's got a great chance.''

Liverpool's 21-year-old midfielder John Welsh opened the scoring, and Taylor said: "He might have to be a Steven Gerrard to get in the Liverpool side.

"But John just has to be patient and work hard, because he's got the talent. He reminds me of Jamie Carragher at that age - but he's a bit shorter!

"We have some young players with great talent. If they are good enough, they will be given their chance with the senior squad. Mr Eriksson always asks how the young players are doing - he's very supportive.''

Taylor was encouraged by his side's performance, but admitted Azerbaijan had proved frustrating opponents.

He said: "It was difficult because they came here to stop getting beaten heavily. We were 2-0 up with ten minutes left and they still had no centre-forward. We're not used to that.

"You need to score the first goal and I was delighted for John Welsh to get his first for the Under-21s. Dean Ashton then got another one and I felt Azerbaijan might come out and we would find more gaps.

"But they didn't come out so it was difficult to break them down. I was surprised because they have some good players.

"But the early goal settled us down and we played some very good stuff. The players have done very well as a new group and they've created a nice team spirit. I want them to keep doing well and to get into the senior side.''