EWOOD legend Derek Fazackerley today joined the debate surrounding Garry Flitcroft's hopes of an England call-up.

Fazackerley is more qualified than most to access Flitcroft's case for a call-up to Sven Goran Eriksson's squad after acting as England's right-hand man to Kevin Keegan.

But, though he confesses to being a big admirer of the Rovers' skipper's no-nonsense style, he admits he could be hard-pressed to force his way onto the international scene.

"I know Garry Flitcroft well and he's a good performer and a great athlete," said Faz.

"Having suffered a long term injury three years ago, he's now back in the type of form everyone knew he was capable of.

"But as for him playing for the full international side, it's going to be difficult.

"Sven is lucky in terms of the fact he's currently got a number of central midfielders who are all excellent players in the likes of Steve Gerrard, David Beckham and Paul Scholes.

"And then there are people like Lee Bowyer as well who will be there or thereabouts if he wins his court case.

"So you can't dismiss people like that and one or two people will have to be dislodged for Flitty to get his chance.

"Having said all that, though, Sven might have a look at one or two of his fringe players in the friendlies coming up, just in case.

"And you've got to say Garry could figure in that group.

"If something happened to someone like Nicky Butt, for instance, then you could see a situation where Garry might get a chance."

Fazackerley believes Flitcroft's Ewood team-mate David Dunn may stand a better chance of making the breakthrough, however, if not in time for next summer's World Cup, then at some point further down the line.

"Dunny's probably in a similar position but in certain respects his prospects could be better because he's already in the system," said Faz.

"Playing at international level is very different and there's a school of thought to say it's best to promote from within.

"So if you're already playing in the Under 21s then you are in everyone's eye."