Gareth Barry thinks Ross Barkley has 'all the ability' but needs to match the consistency of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard if he wants to be considered as a top player.
Barkley, 22, was not included in the latest England squad by Sam Allardyce despite starting the season brightly.
The evergreen Barry admits being overlooked came as a 'massive surprise' to Barkley but is confident his team-mate can become an integral part of the England and Everton set-up if he keeps improving.
'It was a massive surprise for him not to make the squad having come off the summer not playing any minutes at all,' Barry told talkSPORT.