Gareth Southgate has backed England Under-21 and Manchester United pair Nick Powell and Jesse Lingard to make their mark at Old Trafford.
Both players have spent the majority of this season out on loan in the Championship, with Powell at Wigan Athletic for the full campaign and Lingard currently with Brighton & Hove Albion after an earlier spell at Birmingham City.
But they have both been regulars with the Three Lions this season and Southgate believes they can return to United and force their way into contention for the first team squad next season, with a new boss set to take charge of the Reds.
Lingard has been on loan at Birmingham City and Brighton & Hove Albion this season
"There’s Nick and Jesse Lingard from United, both of whom are out on loan, who I think in time could well make their way into the first team there," admitted Southgate.
"But they are young and I think they probably do need that league experience at the moment."
After finding their chances of first-team progress at Old Trafford limited under previous boss David Moyes, Southgate believes they will have developed further in their spell away.
Powell has been a regular goalscorer for Wigan this season, as they aim for a play-off place whilst Brighton’s recent charge for promotion has been aided by the performances of Lingard.
And that has not gone un-noticed by Southgate, whose side are next in action on 19 May when they travel to face Wales in Euro qualifying at Swansea City’s Liberty Stadium.
"I’ve seen him [Powell] a couple of times recently for Wigan," he added.
Watch a stunning goal in training from Nick Powell
"He missed a long period out injured just after Christmas, but he is a super talent, there’s no question about that.
"Nick had only played league football at Crewe so to go from there to Manchester United is a huge step – I think the spell on loan would have done him and his confidence the world of good.
"And after a good pre-season with United last summer, Jesse has had a good season too so they can be pleased going back to United for next season."
Southgate's squad will also take part in the Toulon Tournament in France next month, where they will face Colombia, Brazil, Qatar and Korea Republic.
