Crystal Palace’s Jason Puncheon could make the leap to international football effortlessly, according to former Arsenal forward Paul Merson.

Puncheon, 29, has been one of the Eagles’ stand-out performers since he joined the club from Southampton in January 2014.

However, despite a consistent run of performances under Neil Warnock and Alan Pardew, Puncheon is yet to earn international recognition.

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Merson, who made 289 appearances for the Gunners during a 12-year stint in north London, believes Puncheon deserves a call-up to the England squad.

“I’m a big fan,” Merson said on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.

“I don’t agree with [Wilfried] Zaha being called up but this lad, I think could step up and play international football.

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“He can do something different. He’s comfortable in possession and he sees a pass.

“I nearly fell over the other day when I saw [Fabian] Delph.”

Puncheon, who has scored 10 goals in 63 games for the Eagles, has been a key figure in the Palace dressing room since he left the Saints.

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