Paul Lambert believes Fabian Delph "won't let anybody down" if Roy Hodgson decides to select the midfielder for England's Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland in Basel on Monday night.
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With Jordan Henderson facing a fitness battle after picking up an ankle problem in training, the Aston Villa midfielder could play in the Three Lions' opening Group E game at St Jakob-Park.
Delph, 24, only made his international debut in last Wednesday's friendly win over Norway, but Villans boss Lambert thinks the player is ready to step up to the next level.
"I think it was well deserved that he's got in the national team and, in fact, I thought he was playing well last year as well," he told the club's official website.
"This season he's started really well and he deserves to be given a chance. You won't know until you throw somebody in how good they're going to be or if they can handle it but, given the chance, Fabian won't let anybody down.
"It's great for Aston Villa that we've brought another young lad through and hopefully he can stay in it. Sometimes it's harder to get out of the national team once you're in there, so once you're in it you may as well stay in it."
Delph featured as a second-half substitute against Norway at Wembley last week, and feels the familiar faces around him in the squad will provide a calming influence after a rapid ascent.
For those interested in stats, Fabian Delph became Villa's 72nd England international tonight. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/td6QTLUp8Q
- Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) September 3, 2014
"If I'm selected to play that's great but I'm here [with England] for my first time and I'm just looking to work hard," Delph said after that game.
"I know Danny Rose -- I've known him since I was 11 years old as we came through the system at Leeds together -- and I've known Danny Sturridge a long time, too. I know Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere and, obviously, James Milner from playing with him at Aston Villa.
"The skipper, Wayne [Rooney] has been great with all of the new lads who have come in. He's welcomed us and this is a great set of lads."
The midfielder believes a place in the England squad is a fitting reward after struggling back from numerous knee and ankle injuries over recent years, and praised his club for helping him battle back to full fitness.
"A few years ago I couldn't really get fit or get in the first team at Villa so it's been a long, hard road. All the help that I've had from the medical team, people like Alan Smith and Stuart Walker and some of the fitness coaches, it's helped me get to where I am now.
"I felt really excited joining up with England, I felt proud and I was looking forward to coming. Now I'm here I'm even happier.
"The last two seasons have been pretty consistent. Last season was probably better than the one before, so the England manager has picked me on the back of playing well for my club.
"I pride myself on giving 100 percent commitment, I like to get around the pitch with a lot of energy, close people down, so that's what I'll look to do if I get a chance to get on the pitch."