SAM Allardyce continues to be puzzled by Kevin Nolan's continued ommission from the England Under-21 squad.

The 19-year-old Wanderer is now part of the U-20s scene after being capped for the U-18s.

But the Reebok boss believes the Liverpool-born starlet has the maturity and ability to step up a notch and become a regular. And, although he acknowledges that David Platt has a wealth of talent at under 21 level and has time on his side to make the progression, he has again put his name forward for promotion.

"I think Kevin is very pleased and proud to be selected for his country," Allardyce pointed out. "But I think he is a little bit disappointed he's not been called up for the under-21s in the light of what he has achieved this year.

"He should have been included in that squad a bit more than he has been, as far as I am concerned."

Allardyce hailed Nolan as one of the top goalscoring midfielders in the country after the defeat of Aston Villa last week.

The youngster capped an impressive performance with a magnificent winner when he beat Peter Schmeichel with a long-range free-kick and Wanderers are hoping for more of the samein the run-in.