Celtic boss Martin O'Neill says England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was wrong to snub Alan Thompson and Chris Sutton. The in-form Parkhead pair were overlooked for the friendly in Portugal on Wednesday.
O'Neill said: "I had a look at the squad and I didn't see a natural left-sided midfielder there.
"That's England's prerogative to pick who they like but I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think they're both good enough for England."
Thompson, 30, was thought to be in with a chance of a first call-up after some impressive performances for the Scottish league leaders.
The 30-year-old Sutton, who has made just one substitute appearance for England, has also impressed Eriksson's assistant Tord Grip.
 |  This certainly doesn't colour my view of their abilities |
But the England coach will again look to solve the problematic left side with a central midfielder. However, O'Neill added: "Alan will probably be disappointed but he shouldn't be because it is by no means a mark against him.
"I think Chris always felt that his chances were pretty slim because of previous experiences but this certainly doesn't colour my view of their abilities."
Meanwhile, O'Neill has revealed that John Hartson is on the mend after a back injury.
"He's coming on," O'Neill told the club's official website. "He's been out of things a bit because we felt it best to give his back a chance to rest and recuperate."
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