KEVIN Nolan could be an England star in the making if he continues to work hard and score goals for Wanderers.

That's the verdict of Sam Allardyce, who has seen the 22-year-old midfielder establish himself as a Premiership regular after coming through the academy ranks.

Nolan goes into the match against Birmingham tomorrow in a rich vein of form, which has helped Wanderers make a flying start.

Allardyce said: "This lad has been scoring in the Premiership for the last three years. He can't always be ignored. He has goals in him.

"Kevin just needs to concentrate and play for us first of all. He just needs to keep his head down and keep scoring."

England have a hole in midfield ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Azerbaijan next month with Steven Gerrard injured and Paul Scholes in retirement.

Allardyce, though, believes Nolan may have to bide his time.

"I don't think the coach (Eriksson) is in the habit of introducing new players into the flock especially at such a crucial stage in the qualifiers and such a young player at that," he said.

"But perhaps along the line he might choose to have him along and see what what he is like in training and let him experience it."

Top scorer Henrik Pedersen could be back in the starting line-up as Allardyce reverts to his first choice team despite some of his fringe players playing well in Tuesday's night's Carling Cup win at Yeovil.

"Birmingham have been suffering this season from a lack of confidence, while we have made a confident start," the manager said, "but they will still be a huge task for us because they always work so hard and they are so disciplined."