HE'S lightning quick, skilful, an international goalscorer and the hottest young prospect at Saints - and he's only 15!

Amid all the high-profile names at St Mary's on international duty recently - such as Anders Svensson, Antti Niemi and Mikael Nilsson - no-one created more of an impression than the player who has been back at school in Berkshire this week.

Yes, you read that right - back at school.

For Saints academy prospect Theo Walcott had his feet kept firmly on the ground by the fact he had to report for classes at the Downes School in Compton, near Newbury.

Saints are understandably keen to throw a protective blanket around the lightning quick Walcott, who turned down Chelsea to sign as a schoolboy a few years ago.

But that is becoming increasingly hard after the youngster continued his meteoric rise by starring for England's Under-17s in a triangular tournament success.

Walcott, who was only 15 last March and who was easily the youngest member of England's Under-17 squad, started two matches against Italy and Russia at Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium and scored his first international goal in the 5-1 romp against the Russians.

Playing for England Under-17s while just 15 is a rare feat - the last person to do so was Wayne Rooney.

While Rooney played for Everton's Under-19 side aged just 14, Walcott has already played for Saints Under-18s this season aged 15 - and he scored a hat-trick against Crewe in a 3-1 win.

Saints are well aware of Walcott's ability and handed him run-outs in reserve pre-season friendlies against the first teams of Basingstoke, Farnborough and Eastleigh. The youngster created three goals in the 6-1 win at Basingstoke and scored against Conference club Farnborough.

Theo's dad, Don, is convinced his son can only continue to improve at St Mary's.

Don has given the Daily Echo an insight into his son's career which, at a current rate, could see him threaten Danny Wallace's inclusion as the youngest player in Saints' history.

Wallace was only 16 years and 314 days old when Lawrie McMenemy thrust him into the spotlight at Old Trafford in November 1980.

Walcott is not 16 until next March and, the following July, he joins Saints' academy as a full-time scholar.

"I have got every faith in Saints looking after Theo," said Don. They are doing a great job - they didn't have to play him in those friendlies against adults but they thought he could handle it and he did.

"The academy is the best in the country without a doubt. The likes of Dexter Blackstock, Leon Best, Matthew Mills and Martin Cranie will be great players.

"I am very excited about the future.

"Steve Wigley being made head coach is a big plus for everyone - he knows all the academy lads and what they can and can't do - he will know when they are ready to make a step-up.

"People give Rupert Lowe a hard time but not me - he is doing a great job with the academy - and he only has the best interests of the club at heart."

Theo, pictured, made his England representative debut back in April of this year when he made four U16 outings at a tournament in France. He trains with Saints' academy all day every Monday.

He also journeys back to Southampton for training on Wednesday nights and plays on a Saturday.

Walcott, along with Darren Kenton, are the fastest players over 100m at St Mary's and his father said: "Theo is quick and he's got skill - if you've got those attributes, you've got half a chance.

"It's frightening when you think about it - if he carries on like he is, he'll be a hell of a player.

"It's easy to forget at times he was only 15 in March."

Walcott could well feature in some reserve games this season if he maintains his progress but Don admitted: "I can't wait until next July when he joins the academy as a proper scholar.

"With full-time training, he can only continue to improve."