Ryan Yates has had detractors ever since he broke into the Nottingham Forest first team.
However, the Reds vice captain put in perhaps his best performance for the club in Saturday's 1-0 win over Liverpool as he continues to win over detractors. Such was the level of his performance there have even been tentative suggestions he can make his way into Gareth Southgate's World Cup thinking with a whopping 55-man long list squad to be named for the upcoming tournament in Qatar.
The question was raised by a listener on the Garibaldi Red podcast with Forest legend and former Engalnd striker Garry Birtles, fan Greg Mitchell and host Matt Davies debating the possibility of a seemingly unlikely international breakthrough. Here is a transcript of the conversation which you can listen to in full here.
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GM: "All three midfielders were brilliant. We won the midfield battle clearly. It shows the difference that can happen.
"He was being slated and now people are asking how far he can go. We're finding the starting XI, but also the ones who came on, can make a difference. It gives us confidence especially at home."
MD: "To me, he's perfect for a midfield three. If he just plays the Ryan Yates way - get about people, win the ball, pass it forwards but not fancy - he's a solid Premier League player.
GB: "Not everyone has to be a creative midfielder. There are players who aren't of the pedigree of the top teams, but they're so important. This is a learning curve for him and he's playing in the top league for the first time.
"It's a tough learning curve. If you get it wrong consistently you'll get dropped. I'm sure he's listening to Steve Cooper and working on what he's told to work on. You saw that come to fruition.
"The one thing he'll be disappointed with is not taking the chances that have come his way, not on Saturday, but the headers before that. If you're looking for a captain's performance he gave that."
MD: "I think that England's out of reach at the moment. I don't think he's England quality yet, but he keeps proving doubters wrong and keeps progressing. I can't see it happening personally, but he keeps proving people wrong."
GM: "He keeps going. It not all about the skill. You never know how far he can go because he keeps proving critics wrong."
GB: "What gets you into an international team is consistency. I always go back to what David Platt said to me - great players don't get better, they get more consistent. There's a lot of talented young players around in this country.
"Who is to say he can't if he keeps learing. You have to learn all the time. Every game is different. One thing you want in any profession is to get to the highest possible place.
"In football that's playing for your country. Anyone who has done it will you how difficult is to get to that level but never say never. If you're in form and consistent then managers will look at you."
MD: "For me, focus on consistency first with Forest. He's got to nail his Forest place now, which isn't guaranteed, but he's on a good track."
Could Yates ever play for England? Have your say in the comments section below
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