Tony Pulis: Being dropped by England hasn't dented Jake Livermore's confidence

The Baggies midfielder was recalled to the national set-up by Gareth Southgate in March and was named in his first four squads as permanent manager.

But the 27-year-old has been left out of the England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Germany and Brazil.

Pulis, however, has faith in his vice-captain's mentality and doesn't expect it to have an impact on his performances for Albion.

Although the Baggies boss gave Livermore some time off earlier this season, he reckons the £10m January signing has been back to his best in the last two games.

"Gareth made seven or eight changes and he’s going to have a look at other people and everything else," said Pulis.

"In the last two or three games Jake has been back to his best. He has played better football than when he got selected.

"That won’t have done him (and his England chances) any harm but I don’t think it’s anything but Gareth wanting to bring a few others in and looking at other people."

Livermore hasn't let Southgate's decision affect him this week, and Pulis reckons his response is the sign of a future Albion captain.

The former Hull midfielder was made vice-captain to Jonny Evans this summer and Pulis will have no qualms about giving him the armband in the future.

"It's not affected his confidence, he’s been great," said Pulis. "He’s been very good, not just on the pitch.

"Eventually he could end up being captain, he’s that good around the place."