ANDREW Surman may have to be content with another place on the England under-21 bench tomorrow.

The Saints midfielder made a goalscoring debut for his country in last Friday's opening Euro 2009 qualifier in Montenegro.

Surman came off the bench late on and scored after good work from his fellow sub and ex-club colleague Dexter Blackstock.

Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone was suspended for that game, but is unavailable tomorrow.

Boss Stuart Pearce has also admitted that Aston Villa's Craig Gardner is a likely starter in the centre of midfield after his performance in Montenegro.

Gardner has been used as an emergency right-back for his club this season but got his chance in the middle of the park last Friday.

And in addition to Surman, Birmingham's Fabrice Muamba, another sub three days ago, is also fighting for a starting spot.

Pearce feels Gardner gives an example of how his side can change shape depending on whether they are chasing a game or - in the case of Friday night when they went two goals ahead within 10 minutes - protecting a lead.

"The beauty of this squad is how adaptable it is," Pearce said.

"Theo Walcott can play anywhere across the front four, and if Craig can play in the midfield or at right-back then it's helpful to me.

"He had a decent game against Montenegro, and he'll only improve with the more games he plays".

Nedum Onuoha opened the scoring against Montenegro before Gabriel Agbonlahor doubled the lead, with Surman adding the third in stoppage time.