Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has backed close-season signing Andros Townsend to earn a recall to the England team following a string of impressive displays for the Eagles.
Townsend was instrumental in Palace's 4-1 home victory over Stoke City last Sunday, scoring his side's fourth with a fine solo effort, and his form has earned plaudits from Pardew.
The winger, who arrived as a permanent signing from Newcastle United in the last transfer window, has started each of Palace's five Premier League games this season.
And Pardew believes Townsend's performances should be turning the head of England manager Sam Allardyce.
"Andros has got to be in consideration for Sam and England," Pardew told a news conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League contest against Sunderland.
"He's a natural wide player and gets goals, he's a massive asset. He has England experience and really and truly never had the games he deserved at Spurs.
"I've told him I'll show faith in him as long as he does his defensive duties, as long as he's a team player."
Townsend was also overlooked by Allardyce for England's opening World Cup 2018 qualifying fixture against Slovakia earlier this month.
But Pardew feels Townsend provides a unique option, adding: "It is difficult to play with two strikers in the modern era.
"You need to control the midfield, so wide players scoring goals is a massive asset and that's what Andros can do."
Pardew also expressed sympathy for Sunderland boss David Moyes ahead of Palace's trip to the Stadium of Light.
"You can have sympathy for that situation because it's not a nice situation," Pardew said.
"David's experienced enough as it is, but our trade being what it is, we're going there to win.
"David Moyes is a fantastic manager. His record at Everton is the best of any [active] British manager, probably, and he deserves respect for that."
