Former Everton defender Martin Keown says Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley deserves a fresh chance with England.

Keown has hailed the form of the Evertonian.

He wrote for the Daily Mail: "Ross Barkley's renaissance with Luton is immensely satisfying to see. It is not only the passes he is pinging left and right from the centre of the park, the devastating runs he is making through elite Premier League midfields, or the way he is relentlessly looking to regain possession for his team.

"It is the fact we are seeing a footballer who is finally fulfilling his potential, playing at the peak of his powers and with a swagger we have rarely seen since he was a teenager.

"It was in August 2011 when Barkley debuted for Everton at the age of 17 and, at that time, I predicted he would go on to become one of England's greatest midfielders. Such was the natural talent that went with his physical attributes, this fearless kid who grew up idolising Zinedine Zidane looked like he had the world at his feet.

"Credit must go to Luton for giving him this lifeline. He was available on a free transfer but it was manager Rob Edwards who took a chance when others would not. If Barkley can help Luton survive this season, he will go down as one of the greatest value-for-money signings ever made in the Premier League, the ultimate steal in a game renowned for spending vast sums to secure talents such as this."