Former Saints starlet Alex Chamberlain admitted he wouldn't have believed he would get a Euro 2012 call up a year ago.

The 18-year-old Arsenal winger has just completed a first season at the Emirates after his big money move from Saints and has now been picked by Roy Hodgson, alongside another former Saint turned Gunner Theo Walcott, for this summer's Championships.

"I would have probably laughed if someone had told me I would be in the Euro 2012 a year ago," he told the club's website. "Obviously you would like to think that and it is what you aim towards but sometimes you have to be realistic and realise it might take a little bit longer than that.

"So for everything to happen as quickly as it has, it has been surreal and I don't think it has really sunk in properly yet. I know I haven't made it and I have a long way to go but this is the first step in what I hope to be a long and successful international career.

"It is a good opportunity for me to go and learn from everyone and if I do get a chance, work as hard as I can to make an impression and prove myself."

"I'm obviously delighted, to be picked for your country at any stage is a massive honour and to be at a huge tournament likes the Euros is such a bonus," he told Arsenal.com.

"I am just looking forward to going there, learning from all the experienced players, training with them and trying my hand at everything. I am absolutely buzzing.

"I got a call this [Wednesday] morning from the manager and he just explained it to me then - that was about two hours before it was announced. He said it was down to merit and I just have to prove him right.

"I think I play with no fear, I run at players regardless of who they are and try to make a difference. I have a youthful enthusiasm and I am so excited about this that I will try and take any opportunity with both hands.

"I will just try and make things happen, although I know there are other players who can do that. It will just be nice to get the opportunity and I will see what I can do."