Tony feels sure that it is only a matter of time before Michael gets a more regular slot with the full England party as opposed to the under-21s with whom he is currently on duty.
"I think he was a bit under par against Fulham," admits Tony, "but he is ready for England and his form has been good this season.
"It is a really warm climate in Japan and Korea; you have to build up patiently and not hit long balls in midfield.
"It might mean playing 4-5-1 and, if we do move Paul Scholes into a withdrawn striker's position, Michael would be perfect alongside Steve Gerrard to release Scholesy just in front of them."
Tony is delighted that Trevor made his England debut at the weekend and is impressed by the professionalism he has shown in recent weeks.
"Trevor has given his all despite the problems he has had going on the transfer list," says Tony, "and it was another good performance by him on Saturday.
"You want to keep your quality players and I keep repeating he is probably the form player outside of David Beckham on the right.
"I am quite surprised one of the bigger sides haven't come in for him; I know Newcastle and Sunderland are supposed to have had a nibble but I don't class them as the bigger sides - or even bigger than West Ham."
As for the debate about Sven-Goran Eriksson preferring his players to be playing in Europe for their clubs, Tony adds: "I suppose it is always better to be in Europe and getting experience week in, week out but I don't think it will hinder Trevor come the World Cup; unless he signs for a Champions' League side he won't be playing in Europe this season anyway."
Although it is all quiet on the transfer front, Tony is aware that there is talk of Rob Lee being a potential Hammers target.
Of that possibility, he says: "I wouldn't say Rob is better than Michael and John Moncur would argue he is just as good as Rob so it would be thickening up the squad.
"Glenn might be looking at it for a bit of experience and it is one to ponder."
With Steve Lomas getting nearer to full fitness, and Joe Cole stepping up training, Tony knows competition for places in midfield is hotting up - and he relishes the prospect.
"I hope Lomy is back to his normal self," he says, "he has a heart the size of a football and can generally overcome injuries as he is a naturally fit boy.
"If Joe is back as well it creates pressure for places and if people are not doing the business they can expect someone else to be brought in.
"Stevie coming back also allows for some tinkering with the formation.
"I think he is a natural leader and players like that who make tackles and do the easy things, but do them well, are respected by their fellow pros.
"I'm sure the West Ham fans will give him a great ovation when he returns."
Tony was an interested observer at the last home game when, of course, two of his former clubs faced each other.
His loyalty, though, was with West Ham, but he admits: "I have to be honest and say Fulham deserved to win; they outnumbered us in midfield for most of the game and, apart from Fredi hitting the post, we didn't have any chances.
"Fredi couldn't be blamed for the chance he missed; he did everything right and his all round play is improving all the time; he is one of the best strikers in the Premiership.
"We had got three wins on the bounce and Fulham were below us in the league, but they are not as poor as their position suggested.
"Fulham played the better football on the day with the diamond formation in midfield and West Ham couldn't get their tempo going as they did against Ipswich, Chelsea, and Southampton.
"Goals do change games and the goal they got did them the power of good and made them pass the ball a bit better.
"The game just didn't live up to the billing considering the players on both sides.
"West Ham didn't have any thrust and after the three results including a good away performance it looked like they were just expecting it to happen.
"West Ham had got into a position which gave them a false sense of security, not having to panic and not looking below them in the table; but games like that will occur."