Little over a year ago, Theo Walcott was lining up with David McGoldrick, Adam Lallana and Josh Dutton-Black for Saints in the final of the FA Youth Cup.

As those three prepare for the academy play-off final on Friday, Walcott is off to meet up with his new England senior squad colleagues Wayne Rooney and David Beckham ahead of the World Cup finals.

Both of the events are an achievement, but it puts into context how meteoric Walcott's rise has been.

And it has stunned even the lads that knew him best during their time together in the Saints youth ranks.

David McGoldrick, the striker who has scored 41 times for the reserves and under-18s this season said: "I was shocked.

"I was watching the squad get announced and had to walk out the room because I was so shocked.

"Everybody knows what he's got.

"He'll burn someone if he comes on with that pace.

"He's a great lad but I haven't said anything to him yet - I wouldn't know what to say. I can't give him banter because he'll ask what I'm doing this summer, I'll say 'holiday,' he'll say 'World Cup.'

"He's never going to have a better season than this - making his debut, moving to one of the biggest clubs in the world and going to the World Cup.

"It gives us a lot of belief. It shows you don't have to move from Southampton to get right to the top."

Lallana was on the same youth soccer course as Walcott, set-up by Mike Osman, and went on to join Saints as a youngster at the same time as the Arsenal starlet.

"I don't think we can describe how we feel," said Lallana. "It's brilliant for him and his family.

"It's a huge step up but I'm confident in his ability and his impact if he plays.

"If he brings home the trophy that would be brilliant.

"The likes of Brazil and Argentina won't know him because he hasn't made a Premiership appearance.

"His feet have been on the ground over the past year and I'm sure when he meets the likes of Beckham and Rooney he'll take it as another chapter in his life."

For McGoldrick, Lallana and Dutton-Black, the focus in not on Germany next month but on St Mary's on Friday.

If they can overcome Aston Villa in a one-off match they will become academy league winners.

But there's little doubt what has dominated conversation in the Lodge, where the academy players live, since Sven-Goran Eriksson's announcement on Monday afternoon.

"In the Lodge it was a bit of a shock to us all but it's a great opportunity for him," said Dutton-Black.

"Seeing him in the first team was very exciting, he scored a few good goals and moved on to Arsenal and bigger and better things. And we hear he's doing very well in training there.

"Maybe in some ways it's a risk with Rooney and Owen doubtful. Sven has said it's a gamble but it's an exciting one.

"Picking Theo and Aaron Lennon who are young talents is brave but hopefully they'll prove Sven right.

"Theo only being here a year ago is amazing. It's good to see he's gone on. We can learn off that and see if we can go on from here."

Saints' game against Aston Villa kicks-off at 7pm. Admission is free.

For a full preview see Friday's Daily Echo and don't miss Saturday for full match coverage and pictures.