Former Poland international Jerzy Dudek believes England's Joe Hart has the potential to become the best goalkeeper in the world.
Manchester City shot-stopper Hart is in line to win his 26th England cap in Poland on Tuesday night when the Three Lions travel to Warsaw in World Cup qualifying.
The 25-year-old is already rated highly and has earned plaudits for his performances for both club and country.
Ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid shot-stopper Dudek, who stepped down from the international stage in 2009 before leaving Madrid last year, feels Hart is heading in the right direction.
"Hart has great potential for sure," he said in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports. "He very quickly confirmed his ability in the Manchester City team.
"English fans complained recently about players in this position. But England have had some great keepers and Hart is another one on this list.
"He is going in the right direction.
"Can we name him the best in the world? It is difficult question.
"You can find fantastic keepers in other leagues as well, for example (Iker) Casillas in Spain or (Gianluigi) Buffon in Serie A. They have kept their top form for a very long period.
"If Hart can do the same, he will have a real chance of becoming the best in the world."
Dudek, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, believes former Reds team-mate and England captain Steven Gerrard will pose a threat against Poland on Tuesday, particularly from free-kicks.
"We must remember about Steven Gerrard's free-kicks," he said. "During Euro 2012 we realised what a danger they can be."
Dudek returned to Poland after leaving Madrid and has been involved in television punditry work, but the 39-year-old is not ruling out a comeback on the pitch, admitting a move to Major League Soccer would be an interesting avenue to explore.
"I still practice two times a week, to be on form," he said. "I have not yet officially finished my career.
"Let's say, I'm considering now what I can do after retiring. But honestly, I still find in myself a desire to play again!
"And maybe I'll decide to come back? Major League Soccer in the USA seems to be an interesting direction. Who knows, maybe one day."
