Reading manager Steve Coppell is convinced Dave Kitson has the ability to make the most of an England call-up.
The striker, 27, has been tipped to be included in Fabio Capello's first squad for the friendly at Wembley against Switzerland next month.
And should that come to pass then Coppell believes the striker has enough about his game to make a lasting impression.
He said: "Kits would give any team something that other combinations wouldn't. He is good in the air, can use his left and right foot and has decent pace and knowledge of the game.
"He has got a spark - he is different. He is a target man yet he is subtle. The bigger men now have skills on the floor, it is not just about being a head on a stick. From a skill point of view he could play at any level, no problem."
Capello has made two trips to the Madejski Stadium so far, with left-back Nicky Shorey already part of the England set-up left behind by Steve McClaren.
And a performance in a losing cause against Manchester United is understood to have given the Italian the notion that handing Kitson the chance of an international step-up could prove worthwhile.
Coppell added: "It is one of the pluses of Capello that he had no pre-conceived ideas about any teams outside the top four. He has no history of watching English games, he would probably have watched the European ones, that's all.
"So he has come and seen a player who has struck a chord with him. One can only assume he has been impressed by Kits and rightfully so."
Coppell had added Mali winger Jimmy Kebe to the squad after agreeing an undisclosed fee with French outfit Lens for the 24-year-old, who had been on loan at Boulogne.
The Royals boss admitted many fans would be sceptical whether the newcomer could make the step up from the French second division to the Barclays Premier League.
He said: "I must admit I asked exactly the same question yet you judge on the evidence of your eyes. Our scouts' reports were all positive but he is not the finished article. He is going to need work and have to adjust to the English style of football.
"We, like a lot of people, we focus a lot on the French league but not necessarily the top teams. We have been looking at lesser games in the second division and had seen him on a number of occasions.
"We have had various people looking at him but I haven't seen him live, although I have seen tapes. We have had right-side problems and he can play right or left.
"He has pace, which I always like, and it was an opportunity to bring another one in."
Kebe is unlikely to feature in Wednesday night's trip to Chelsea.
