ANDREW Surman's former Saints academy director has revealed how the youngster was earmarked for glory aged just 10.

Surman could make his England debut at under-21 level tonight when Stuart Pearce's side take on Montenegro in their opening Euro 2009 qualifier.

And ex-Saints academy director Huw Jennings believes Surman's increasing strength is helping him to finally fulfil the potential spotted when he was still at junior school.

Jennings was with the club between 1999 and 2006 before leaving to become the Premier League's Youth Development manager.

He oversaw Surman's progression through the youth ranks at Saints.

And he said: "Not too many people know this, but Andrew Surman had England trials at under 15's but didn't manage to secure a place in subsequent squads.

"So it is great for him to see that the door is not closed and if you keep working hard the call will come".

Jennings first saw Surman, 21, as a 13-year-old coming through the ranks and immediately spotted his potential.

Now he has begun to develop physically, Jennings believes that potential is now being realised.

"Andrew would be the first to admit he is physically starting to reach his maturity," he said.

"He always had great ability and stamina but not always the strength.

"People are starting to realise that he is starting to fulfil that".

Full story: See today's Daily Echo.