BEFORE Andrew Surman was picked by England U21s I was pushing for him to be called up by South Africa.

I have been a television presenter for M-Net Supersport in South Africa since 1990 and last season pushed Surman's name forward for selection whenever I had the chance.

Surman has looked a useful midfielder with a very good left foot every time I have seen him play.

He was born in Johannesburg and lived over here until he was eight. He could have been a key player in the South Africa side for the forthcoming African Nations Cup, but I can understand why he has opted for England.

It will take him a little longer to break through into the England squad but I really hope he does it.

South Africa have a lot of young players in their squad for the ANC, which begins in Ghana next week. They have even left out Benni McCarthy and will do well to get beyond the first leg, but they are using the competition as preparation for the next World Cup, which is hosted here in 2010.