Wayne Bridge is hoping to benefit from Ashley Cole's surprise promotion to the full England squad.

Despite his lack of Premiership experience the Arsenal youngster has kept his Saints rival out of the England Under-21 side over the past year.

But with Cole elevated to Sven Goran Eriksson's first senior party to face Spain tomorrow, Bridge is optimistic of getting the nod against Spain at St Andrew's tonight.

He faces a strong challenge from Villa prospect Gareth Barry who has gone in the other direction and dropped back from the full squad to the Under-21's.

But provided Barry plays in the centre of defence then the rising Southampton star should get the chance to establish himself as the first choice left-back.

He said: "I was quite surprised to see that Ashley Cole had got a senior call-up but full credit to him.

"Hopefully that will benefit me. I am probably the most experienced left-back in the squad so it might give me a chance to make an impression.

"I wasn't disappointed not to be in the full squad. That is still too early for me and to be fair I have not yet established myself in the Under-21's.

"But if Cole can make the step up at his age then it gives an incentive to the rest of us in the squad to try and win promotion.

"If I play it will be my first chance to impress Sven Goran Eriksson. He was due to watch us at Newcastle and it was very disappointing that the game was off not just for me but for the likes of Dean Richards.

"He has been outstanding this season and might have had a chance if the new manager had seen him play."

Saints and Derby are the only Premiership sides not to come under the gaze of Eriksson this season although his right-hand man Tord Grip has been to The Dell for the games against West Ham and Spurs.