Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson believes Alex Scott will become a fully-fledged England international as the midfielder's talent has caused Liverpool to keep a close eye on his development at Ashton Gate.
Scott was named the Championship Young Player of the Season at the English Football League's awards night last month and the ECHO understands Liverpool are aware of the progress being made by the teenager, who has been called up to Ian Foster's England squad for this month's under-20s World Cup.
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Scott will be joined by Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah for the finals in Argentina. But the the Reds' fellow academy graduate Luke Chambers will not be joining up with the duo in South America and has instead opted to stay with Scottish Premiership outfit Kilmarnock, who he is on loan with, to boost their chances of survival.
Speaking of Scott's ability, Pearson admits it will be difficult to fend off interest in the coming months for a player he believes will go to the "top of the game".
"[I have] no doubt about that, I think he'll play for England and I think he'll go on to the top of the game," Pearson told BBC Radio Bristol. "We want him to continue to play for us for as long as possible but we'll see how that goes."
In March, the 19-year-old earned the plaudits of England star Jack Grealish as the two shared the pitch during Bristol City's FA Cup tie with Manchester City at Ashton Gate. And Pearson believes Scott's performance on that particular night emphasised how successful he could be in the Premier League.
"When you see players being able to match one of the best sides in the world it is pretty impressive really," said the 59-year-old. "He wasn't alone on that night, I think we had some good performances throughout the team but as a young player he really showed what he's about.
"For a player to be able to play against a top side like that and it look no different, in some ways he looked even better than he has done in the Championship. It's a testament to how good he can be."
Scott, who primarily plays in a free-roaming midfield role, signed a new contract with the Championship outfit as recently as August 2021 and Anfield officials have since taken note of the progression he has made in the South West. West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with his services.
"There are things that could change, if players leave that may facilitate other deals but in all honesty the way I look at it at the minute I'd rather work to the assumption that we keep all of our players in tact, the ones that we've got and that includes people like Alex Scott," continued Pearson. "They're in the building until someone comes in with a ridiculous bid and it will have to be a really good bid to take him out.
"Alex as well is very keen to continue his own development. It would be nice for us to have a crack at getting promotion next season with all our young players still here."
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