Jon Wilkin insists St Helens team-mate Leon Pryce is still an important player for England despite being left out of Tony Smith's elite training squad.
Stand-off Pryce, 27, was the surprise omission when Smith named his 17-man squad last week.
"Leon is a world-class player and is an inspiration to play with," Wilkin told BBC Sport.
"I have no doubt he will feature in the internationals this year and prove that he has got what it takes."
Pryce had a disappointing World Cup in Australia last year and was one of several high-profile names - including Saints team-mate Paul Wellens and Leeds skipper Kevin Sinfield - not included in Smith's 17.
Gary Wheeler is a young lad who has a massive future in the game
Jon Wilkin
But Wilkin added: "Everybody who plays with him at Saints appreciates what he does. He can do the special things that turn a game on its head. There is no doubt about Leon's quality."
The elite squad forms part of the Rugby Football League's seven-part plan to improve the prospects of success at international level following a review of the World Cup campaign.
There was criticism that England, who lost to eventual champions New Zealand in the semi-finals and won one just one game in the tournament, were too reliant on players from Leeds and St Helens.
There were also complaints of cliques in the squad.
This time around, just seven players from the Rhinos and Saints make up the initial 17-strong squad.
"I think it is a positive move by the Rugby Football League," added Wilkin, who is close to a return following a knee injury.
"The squad has to be a representation of different clubs and players of different experience levels."
The squad features several of Super League's talented young players, including Wakefield's Ryan Atkins (23), Richard Myler (18) of Salford and Hull FC's Tom Briscoe (19).
But one youngster who Wilkin thinks could force himself into the international reckoning is 19-year-old team-mate Gary Wheeler, whose main position is half-back.
"He is a young lad from St Helens who, in my opinion, has a massive future in the game," added Wilkin.
"He is very confident, but he also gains respect of senior players for what he has done on the pitch.
"Footwork, speed off the mark and game sense are his three biggest strengths.
"He has fantastic game sense, which is something you cannot really learn - the ability the make the right decision in a situation. It makes him a very dangerous player to have in your team."
England's next game is on 13 June, when they face France in Paris.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?