Wolves’ England trio Michael Kightly, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Richard Stearman have been backed to go right to the top of the game – by a team-mate who has done it.

The trio are hoping to play at Wembley tonight in a Euro Championship U21 qualifier against Portugal, as Wolves make history with three players selected for the squad for the first time.

Michael Gray won three full caps for England and has played over 500 League games, the majority of which have been in the Premier League.

The 34-year-old believes his team-mates can emulate him and can do something similar.

He said: “From what I’ve seen since I’ve been at the club, they can definitely make the step up.

“Kights has been there before but for Richard and Sylvan, it’s a new experience but it’s something they should get used to, because the way they’re performing, I’m sure it’s not the last squad they will get into.

“I didn’t see Richard last season, but since he’s been at the club, his attitude in training and matchdays has been first class.

“We’ve had Sylvan since January and we all saw what he did then.

“He’s very hungry for success, he’s got an eye for goal and if you give him half a yard in the box, he knows how to finish.

“They’re good strengths to have. There’s a lack of English players in the Premier League with the foreign contingent coming through, and there’s no reason why after taking this step, that they can’t take it one further.

“That will come in time – they’ve just got to enjoy the moment, and fingers crossed, they can have a great under-21 career and hopefully take the next step.

“It’s testament to the way the lads have been playing and the way they conduct themselves on and off the pitch.”

“Everything about the club – the way we prepare, the fitness coaching, the way we get coached – everything is geared towards the Premier League.”