HE'S aiming all the way for the top. And as hockey has been Craig Peel's greatest passion since he was six - he's built up years of determination and experience to get there.

The South African 22-year-old has got high hopes of making it into his native national squad before taking part in the Commonwealth Games next year.

But before his return home to "knuckle down" and live out the dream, Fareham Hockey Club has benefited from having such a talented player with them for two seasons.

Craig, pictured right, who is leaving his temporary pad in Union Street, Fareham, before heading back home to Durban on the east coast of South Africa later this month, said: "I have really enjoyed playing with Fareham. They've been brilliant.

"Now I'm going to go back to Durban and knuckle down to try and make it into the national squad later this year. It is crunch time for me."

Craig has been playing seasons in Fareham to ensure he keeps on top form before going back to join his local club in the spring - as the seasons are different out there.

Keeping his skills sharp is essential if he is going to put in some serious work to make it to the big time.

But having taken part in the Junior World Cup in Australia when he was just 19 back in 2001, Craig is no stranger to pushing himself to the limits.

He said: "Junior World Cup was tough. In South Africa we don't get much international experience because we don't have the financial backing so it was the first time we'd played against other international teams. It was an awesome experience."

He added: "This will be my last season in England for a while.

"It's time now for me to get a good showing in South Africa. I've been involved in national training squads before but I don't think the coaches were looking to change the team.

"It's moved on since then and I am 22 now so I've got a few good years to give and I'm going to give it a good go."

Head coach at Fareham Hockey Club, Nigel Cook said they would be sad to see Craig go: "It's been fantastic having a player of Craig's calibre at the club," he said.