Former West Ham defender Alvin Martin has told England's new boss Fabio Capello that defender Matthew Upson is worth an international call-up.The former West Ham captain has been impressed with the team's defending this season and is tipping Upson for an international recall later this month.

The 28-year-old was influential in helping the club to a goalless draw against Manchester City in the third round of the FA Cup last weekend.

Martin, who played almost 600 games for the Hammers and was an England international, is now convinced that Upson has all the credentials to become pare of the Capello's England revolution.

Martin declared: "I think Matt has showed already this season his ability to carry out the basic duties of a defender - that is to head the ball to safety and make sure you clear well.

"Now what he has to do is push on further and show wheat else he has in his game. The way he can be part of the attack - in getting the ball out from the back to the midfielders and play his part in helping goal chances come about."

Martin won 17 caps for England and while he acknowledges that Upson faces stiff competition in defence, it should provide the defender with the motivation to break into Capello's plans.

Martin added: "We have Rio Ferdinand and John Terry in there at the back, two formidable players, so it won't be easy. But Jamie Carragher has sort of hung up his boots internationally for now, so perhaps that is another space to fill.

"Hopefully the new manager is going to give everyone a chance and if there is a match where one of these aren't playing, then that is the opportunity for someone else to shine and give Capello a selection problem for the next game. That is where Matty can look to stake his claim and I am sure he is capable of that."

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