West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke has said that he believes in-form youngster Saido Berahino needs more time to develop.
The 20-year-old has impressed for the Baggies this season and continued his fine form with a goal from the bench in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The striker's form has sparked talk of an England call-up, but Clarke has suggested that Berahino is not ready for international football just yet and does not need to be pushed too quickly.
"For Saido, the most important thing is that he continues to develop as a player," Clarke told reporters. "That is what I am trying to do with him here and I think he is happy to work with me along those lines.
"My own personal opinion is that he is not quite ready for full international football. It is not for me to tell Roy [Hodgson] how to do his job, but that is my personal opinion.
"People are trying to push him too far too quickly. Give the boy time to grow and develop."
The Burundi-born forward has scored four goals in three appearances for the England Under-21s.
Sam Hughes
