George Burley believes that Richard Chaplow can develop into a top Premiership player.

Chaplow, 21, scored his first goal in ten appearances since signing on loan from West Bromwich Albion in February.

The England under-21 midfielder is almost certain to return to the Hawthorns in the summer, no matter what division West Brom are in next season.

But Burley believes Chaplow will soon be too good for the Championship.

He said: "Richard's got bags of energy, he's very enthusiastic and is a great professional.

"With his ability he can go all the way. He can be a very good Premiership player, I'm sure."

Chaplow joined Saints on a three-month loan not long after Nigel Quashie's arrival at the Hawthorns further limited the Lancastrian's chances with the Baggies.

Burley continued: "Bryan Robson wanted him playing first team football but I was keen to bring him on loan and we managed to persuade Bryan.

"I first saw him when he played against Derby when I was there and he was at Burnley.

"He was always highly thought of there, and he's enjoyed learning his trade with us.

"He's still learning but he's improving and his time with us has done him the world of good.

"He's a good young kid with great experience already.

"He reminds me of when I took Leon Osman to on loan to Derby when he wasn't playing at Everton.

"Leon hasn't looked back and Richard is in that sort of category.

"He's a lovely boy with great energy and like Leon is a footballer who will play and get forward.

"That was his first goal but he's been unfortunate on a number of occasions not to score more for us."

Chaplow, who cost Albion £1.5m when they signed him from Burnley in January 2005, was boosted by praise from Robson last week but is looking to make the most of his last few weeks with Saints.

He said: "I've kept in contact with West Brom in respect to my career and what have you.

"Hopefully I can get back there and prove a point to everyone at West Brom.

"But it's been nice of the gaffer at Southampton to bring me in and play me in every game so far.

"I'm working hard every 90 minutes and it was nice to get the first goal - to get the clean sheet and the three points makes it even better.

"In the second half all the lads just tried to keep a clean sheet.

"My game is about bombing forward, although I enjoyed sitting there and soaking it up."

Chaplow believes that Saints have now done enough to stay up, and perhaps earn the right to play West Brom next season.

He added: "You would have thought we're 100 per cent certain now. Even though it puts Brighton down, which is a shame, we needed the three points.

"We came here to do a job and that's what we did."

Crouch replies to Clive's outburst

'I'm determined to buy more shares'

'I'll make the changes fans want'

Read the latest on the boardroom battle at St Mary's in tonight's Daily Echo.