England are backing Rhian Brewster to prove his credentials after a difficult year following a £23.5million move away from Liverpool.

Brewster broke his duck for the Under 21s with a penalty in last month’s 2-0 win over Kosovo and is expected to feature in Thursday's European Championship qualifier in Slovenia.

But the 21-year-old has yet to score a league goal in his 33 appearances for Sheffield United since joining them at the start of last season. 

Brewster has been an unused sub in each of United’s last three Championship matches and Young Lions boss Lee Carsley believes time with England can offer him a new lease of life.

‘Rhian needs support at the minute, he needs to see that we have faith in him as a country and that we rate him,’ said Carsley.

‘I wasn’t aware until he’d scored that it was his first goal last month. You just assume that because Rhian has always been around that he had scored. It’s a massive thing.

‘I really like him. He’s very level-headed and had a lot thrown at him for someone so young, moving for big money and being in and out of the team.’

Carsley’s captain, Marc Guehi, has known Brewster since the pair joined Chelsea’s academy aged seven. Guehi has thrived in the Premier League since moving to Crystal Palace and believes Brewster will bounce back.

‘Rhian is one of my best mates in football,’ said Guehi. ‘I know he’s a fantastic player. There are going to be times when it is difficult — we’re all going to experience that. He’s finding his feet again. 

'He’s going through it quite maturely, understanding that he just needs to keep his head down. I’m sure he’ll come out the other side scoring goals for Sheffield United.’

Brewster has spent extra time working on his finishing with coaches Ashley Cole and Joleon Lescott this week, with the youngster also focusing on developing his movement.

Carsley added: ‘It’s important that they know we are there if they need us. We won’t impose ourselves on them but it’s good to have someone independent who you can ring up for a chat.

‘It’s always about how they are feeling, how they are getting on and offering help.’