Roy Keane has branded Mason Mount's critics 'idiots' as the outspoken pundit lavished praise on the England midfielder's 'outstanding' performances for club and country.
Mount, 22, has proved himself undroppable by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, with the Chelsea star starting an eighth-successive England game for the clash with Poland at Wembley.
The midfielder was a cherished asset under former Blues boss Frank Lampard, while new manager Thomas Tuchel has taken a shine to the hardworking creative outlet.
Mount's selection in the England line-up has been called into question by his detractors, with critics calling for Aston Villa star Jack Grealish and Man City hotshot Phil Foden to start in his place.
But Keane has labelled those critics as 'idiots', with the Irishman lauding the vibrant Chelsea star before Wednesday's World Cup qualifier.
'Well that is pretty important, that your manager likes you,' he said of Mount winning favour under different managers on ITV Sport. 'Doesn't matter what people outside the game think, there are a lot of idiots out there.
'Ultimately, I think the players pick the team and he has performed well enough for every manager to say "listen you are going to be in my starting line up".
'Outstanding player. He wants to be an all round midfielder. I never hear anything negative about him off the pitch, he seems a brilliant young kid, he has gone out on loan he has done it the hard way.
'He is a fantastic player and I’m looking forward to seeing him tonight.'
Meanwhile, Ian Wright added that Mount's attitude and performances have won the trust of all of his managers, with the Arsenal legend hopeful that the Chelsea star's mentality will stand him in good stead.
'I like the way he has dealt with comparisons with other players,' Wright said. 'I think he brings different things. I think Gareth trusts him like Frank trusted him and like Tuchel trusts him.
'Defensively you can trust him and offensively you can trust him. He has done everything right.
'You just hope that he can continue doing what he is doing. His attitude and everything about him seems like he is heading in the right direction.'
Mount has scored six goals and provided six assists in 39 outings for Chelsea this campaign, with the youngster the Blues' standout player thus far.