Leicester City defender Jack Hobbs set for England call-up

Leicester City defender Jack Hobbs is being considered for an international call-up.

Hobbs has been one of City's most impressive performers in recent months and manager Nigel Pearson believes he can play at the highest level.

His man-of-the-match performance against Cardiff City last Saturday was watched by Steve Wigley, assistant to England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce.

It is not the first time Pearce has had the City centre-back watched this season.

Hobbs has played an integral part in City's promotion push, and his call-up claims will be strengthened if they can clinch a spot in the Premier League.

England Under-21s do not have a fixture until September when they face Portugal in a European Championship qualifier, but that will not stop Pearce keeping tabs on City's star defender.

Hobbs has no shortage of admirers within the City camp and Pearson has stated he believes the 21-year-old has the potential to play at the very top.

"He is still a young player but I am sure he will be able to play in the Premier League, I have no doubts about that," he said.

"Technically he is a good player but his character is also right and he is level-headed.

"He is maturing but he has had the benefit of playing alongside experienced players as well.

"He has had exposure to the right challenges during his development.

"Last year was a good year for him in the sense that he was pretty regular for us during a successful title-winning season.

"I have no doubts he can play at the highest level."

Team-mate Richie Wellens echoed his manager's praise and said Hobbs' could go to the very top of the game.

"He is a big lad and he wins the first ball," said Wellens.

"As a midfield player that is great because you don't really want to be tracking runners and getting second balls.

"If he wins the first ball, then great.

"He has long legs and blocks things. He can get better on the ball because he is quality on the ball. If he can improve that, he has every chance of going all the way."

Hobbs' form and flourishing partnership with Michael Morrison has eased concerns over the injuries to City's other centre-backs, Wayne Brown, Alex Bruce and Aleksandar Tunchev.

Brown missed the Cardiff and Crystal Palace victories because of a tight hamstring but should be available to face Coventry on Sunday, although he is not guaranteed to walk straight back into the side.

However, Alex Bruce could be out for several weeks with a stomach muscle strain, while Tunchev is out for the season following more knee surgery.