DARIO Gradi is tipping Bristol City hot-shot Nicky Maynard as a future England international.

Although this summer's World Cup in South Africa has come too soon for the 23-year-old striker, Crewe Alexandra's director of football believes Maynard could be involved in the next tournament, in Brazil, in 2014.

City signed Maynard for £2.25 million in July 2008, since when he has established himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in the Championship, having netted 32 times in two seasons. And the man who discovered him, and gave him his break in professional football, is predicting a bright future for the Cheshire-born striker.

Gradi said: "I think it is a shame that the World Cup has come around a couple of years too early, because I think Nicky could have forced his way in.

"He could be around for the next one and if he is scoring goals in the Premier League by then, he will have a great chance.

"There is a lot of football left in Nicky yet and he is has the potential to become a really top finisher."

Although City have yet to receive any offers for their prised asset, Maynard has been the subject of speculation linking him with possible moves to Premier League clubs Fulham, Everton, Wolves and West Brom.

Gradi likens Maynard to former West Ham United and England raider Dean Ashton and is adamant his former charge can carve out a successful career in the Premier League.

"Nicky is a natural goalscorer and I know him inside-out," said Gradi. "He can score all sorts of goals. He can get the tap-ins, the ones from distance, can score with either foot and get in there with his head as well. He just scores goals and his all-round game has improved, too.

"Steve Holland used to come back from academy games and say to me, 'Nicky Maynard, Nicky Maynard' almost every week. I used to watch him and he would do very little in the game and then he would just score goals.

"I would say Dean Ashton is the most natural finisher I've ever worked with here, but Nicky is in that class and is a better athlete.

"He will score goals that Dean couldn't score because he is quicker, and can get in behind for those chances."

Meanwhile, City will stage their annual open day at Ashton Gate on Sunday, July 25 (10am-2pm). Full details are still to be announced but, as always, supporters will have an opportunity to meet the players and members of the management.