Wolves’ on-loan midfielder Jamie O’Hara has declared Matt Jarvis’ England call-up was long overdue.

O’Hara, who has become a firm fans’ favourite since his loan switch from Tottenham, has been highly impressed by winger Jarvis, who has been called up for Saturday’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales and the Wembley friendly with Ghana three days later.

He said: “I’m just surprised it’s taken this long really – it’s long overdue when you see how good he is.

“I think he could win place in the team for some time to come. He’s quick so he’s always going to be a threat with his pace, but although he’s a right-footed player playing on the left, he can get to the byeline and whip in a cross with his left foot, or take players on the inside.

“So he’s a real threat and I know this is something he’s been working towards for a long time now.”

Jarvis, who has no previous international recognition, is the first Wolves player to be selected in an England squad since Steve Bull in October 1990.

It serves as a reminder of what his team-mates can aspire to, with captain Karl Henry named in Fabio Capello’s provisional squad for the recent friendly against Denmark.

O’Hara has recently been courted by Ireland – who he is qualified to represent through grandparents – but admits Jarvis’ selection has given him fresh hope of adding to his England under-21 caps at full level.

He said: “I haven’t given up on England to be honest.

“There’s a new generation of footballers coming into that team and if I’m playing week-in, week-out for Wolves and putting in performances and the club is on the up, there’s no reason why I can’t break into that team.”

The loanee is also more convinced than ever that Wolves will stay up.

Saturday’s vital 1-0 win at Villa – courtesy of Jarvis’ goal – lifted Wolves to within two goals of safety after eight points from four games.

O’Hara said: “I look at the squad and think: ‘how the bloody hell are these boys down here?!’ It’s crazy.

“There’s a buzz around the place – since I have come in we’ve had some fantastic performances.”

Wolves have been unbeaten in four of the six games O’Hara has played.

He added: “I have done well and the fans have been absolutely brilliant with me.”