Pep Guardiola has backed Cumbrian goalkeeper James Trafford to one day become England's number one, even as he plays a supporting role at Manchester City.
Trafford, who came through the City academy after joining from Carlisle aged 12, returned to the Etihad Stadium in a £27million deal this summer after starring in Burnley's record-breaking defence in the Championship last term, expecting to be fighting Ederson for the City gloves and starting the first three league games of the season.
But after Guardiola snapped up the chance to sign Italy star Gianluigi Donnarumma late in the transfer window, Trafford has found himself on the bench and tonight's Carabao Cup match at Swansea will be his first start since the previous round away to Huddersfield, more than a month ago.
It was surely not what the 23-year-old was hoping for as he looks to establish himself in the England squad in a World Cup year. Yet Guardiola believes the Greysouthen star is a future Three Lions number one.
James Trafford, left, started the season in goal for Man City before Guardiola signed Italy's Gianluigi Donnarumma, right _(Image: PA)_
"The keeper is a special situation because \[normally one keeper plays\] and the second one doesn't," Guardiola said when asked about Trafford.
"All I can say is we are delighted with his behaviour in training.
"One of the reasons why we want to go through in this competition is because they all have to be ready in case we need them in the Premier League and the Champions League.
"We have an incredible keeper. For England, sooner or later, he will be the one."
Trafford remains uncapped by England but has been named in every squad selected by Thomas Tuchel so far, along with fellow Cumbrian goalkeeper Dean Henderson, of Crystal Palace.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Trafford will eventually be England's No1 _(Image: PA)_
Asked if he had spoken to Trafford about his international prospects, given his limited game time, Guardiola added: "I spoke with him and the other players, yeah."
Trafford will come into the City side as one of several changes that Guardiola is planning from Sunday's 1-0 loss at Aston Villa, with home games against Bournemouth, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool coming in quick succession.