James Trafford has been tipped for great things by England Under-21 coach Joleon Lescott (Simon Marper/PA)
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford can take the Premier League by storm and reach the very top, according to his England Under-21 coach Joleon Lescott.
Trafford is in line for a top-flight debut on Friday against old club Manchester City, who allowed him to make the move to Turf Moor last month.
While Trafford is only 20 and has never played higher than Sky Bet League One, he starred for England during the summer to earn them European Under-21 Championship glory with a stunning stoppage-time penalty-kick save to deny Abel Ruiz in the 1-0 win over Spain.
Lescott was part of Lee Carsley’s staff for the tournament and knows the young goalkeeper from his time as loan manager at City.
TNT Sports pundit Lescott said: “James is ready for the Premier League. He is top, he is top with temperament, quality.
“I think everyone sees the quality but his temperament is he loves it, but nothing fazes him. He is not bothered by anything.
“He said it in his interview after the (Spain) game, that he knew he would save a penalty and I genuinely believe him. In no arrogant way at all, I think he is just so comfortable with his quality. He works extremely hard and is so aware of what it will take to have a top career.
“I have no doubt he will reach the very top of the game.
“Potentially he ends up back there (at Man City). But James will go on to have an exceptional career.”
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Asked if Trafford could make his senior debut for England soon if he impresses for Vincent Kompany’s new boys, Lescott added: “Yeah, 100 per cent. Whatever he achieves, touch wood barring any unfortunate injuries, will not
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