Kenny Swain backs West Brom's Saido Berahino for England

The England under-16 coach and former Villa ace reckons the red-hot striker deserves a closer look by former Hawthorns head coach Roy Hodgson.

Berahino has represented England at every level from under-16 to Gareth Southgate's under-21s.

And Swain insisted the 20-year-old would be worth a senior call up for the games against Chile and Germany this month after six goals for the Baggies this term.

"He took my eye the first time I saw him," he said, ahead of tomorrow's squad announcement.

"He had good close control, good feet and could score a goal.

"If Roy does pick him for the senior side he will be following good company in Andros (Townsend) and Ross (Barkley) who have come in most recently.

"If Roy picks him then he will do so because he thinks the lad is good enough."

But Baggies assistant boss Keith Downing has urged caution and played down calls for a senior call-up.

"Any achievement like that would be fantastic for him, but whether they will do it, I have my doubts," he said.

"I know people burst on the scene, but the national press had never heard of him a couple of months ago.

"Now they're trying to make a story about a boy-wonder. But I think Roy will have a level-headedness about him and know how the lad works, and I'm sure will make a calculated judgement."

Berahino is in contract talks with the Baggies and Monaco have been linked with a surprise move.