Hughes backs Defoe to sparkle

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Former Scotland midfielder Hughes was in the Bournemouth side six years ago which Defoe joined on loan from West Ham as a teenager, and also grew up in Italy where he regularly watched Capello's fabulously successful AC Milan side, before returning to Britain as a teenager.

"I know I am biased but I think the more Capello sees of Jermain in the upcoming weeks the more he'll become a fan," said Hughes.

"Okay he might well have sent on Michael Owen rather than Jermain if he was going to use another attacker against Switzerland on Wednesday but if Jermain keeps playing the way he did on his debut for us against Chelsea last week I think he will be first choice.

"I know Capello played 4-5-1 but he's a 4-4-2 man really and Defoe alongside Rooney would be so exciting, two intelligent players linking together. It would be great for England."

Defoe has already endeared himself to the Pompey fans with his equalising goal in the Barclays Premier League game against Chelsea last Saturday.

He is likely to become one of Pompey manager Harry Redknapp's "untouchables" - an automatic selection when fit, alongside the likes of David James, Sol Campbell, Sylvain Distin and fellow newcomer Lassana Diarra.

Redknapp said: "The signings I've made in January means I've got a lot more options and the squad is looking stronger all the time.

"We've done ever so well so far, but I think these new ones can take us forward even more."