MEET the Millennium Boys! Saints have just welcomed in the new intake of scholars to their Academy.

The first-year recruits include Eastleigh striker Brian Howard who scored direct from a corner for England Under 16's against Argentina at Wembley on Sunday.

He said: "It was one of the best days of my life. It was a dream come true. It was a fantastic feeling to see the ball go in the net, everyone turned towards me and I just ran and ran!

"I knew I had connected with it well and although the keeper got a touch it is my goal. It was the first I have scored for England and it is something I will treasure for ever.

"Now I just hope I do enough here to make the grade so that I can go back to Wembley one day as a professional."

Howard is joined up front by ace goalscorer Daniel Webb - son of former Southampton and Chelsea defender Dave Webb.

He said: "People ask why I don't play in defence like my dad but I just found being up front seemed to suit me and I have stuck with it.

"My dad has been brilliant. He gives encouragement and the odd word of advice but he has not pushed me into it or opened any doors for me. He has made it clear I have to do it myself."

Also in attack is 16-year-old Bath striker Chris Lewis who received a shock call-up to the Welsh Under-18 squad last season.

There are two left-backs from Ireland. Scott Gordon has won one Under-16 cap for Northern Ireland while Steven Gray from Dublin turned down the chance of making it at gaelic football to come to The Dell.

The rest of the intake is completed by left-back Will Halliwell from Chippenham, central midfielder Garry McManus from Sunderland and right wing-back Sam Carter of Eastleigh.

Youth team coach Joe Jakub said: "They are a very promising group but it is now up to them. They have all got a chance if they knuckle down and work hard."

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