The defender made his long-awaited return from injury in Monday’s game against Nottingham Forest, coming on at half-time. He had anterior cruciate ligament surgery in pre-season and has worked hard to return to full fitness before being gradually reintroduced to match action.

McFarlane said in the build-up to this weekend’s game at Liverpool there is a chance Colwill could start for the Blues at Anfield, which would be a huge boost at this critical point in the season. The interim head coach underlined the attributes the 23-year-old brings to the team.

‘In my opinion, he's one of the best centre-backs in world football,’ said McFarlane.

‘For me, Levi's a complete footballer. Whatever you need a centre-back to do, he can do it, in possession and out. The fact that he's left-footed gives you a really nice balance in the team. He's got a great passing range.

‘With all that being said, he's a great person, a great character. He's a winner. He's a leader. So there's a lot of reasons why he's very, very important for this football club.’

McFarlane noted that an added bonus of Colwill and Reece James returning to the fold is the leadership they bring.

‘It's great to have them back,’ he said.

‘It'll be great to have them both back on the pitch at the same time. Two top players, elite players, England internationals. They will definitely help the group.’