Nathan Dyer is aiming to become the next Saints academy graduate to receive an England under 21 call-up.

Under 21's chief Stuart Pearce included FOUR St Mary's academy graduates in his squad for the season's opening Euro 2009 qualifiers against Montenegro last Friday and Bulgaria last night.

The departed trio of Theo Walcott, Dexter Blackstock and Martin Cranie were included alongside Saints midfielder Andrew Surman, who marked his debut with a goal against Montenegro.

Surman, though, was left out of last night's squad altogether as England won 2-0 in Sofia.

And after enjoying an impressive start to the season, Dyer hopes to continue his form and give Pearce another reason to come back to St Mary's.

Dyer, 19, said: "I have played for England under 18's and 19's, though not many games for the 20's, but I want to keep going and hopefully be spotted and play for the 21's. You never know.

"It's just down to being consistent and playing well for your club. That's when you will get your chance.

"Hopefully I can represent England at under 21's. It's just about performing well".

Dyer needs regular games in order to impress.

If he starts at Watford this Sunday, it will be the first time in his career he has started four successive senior games for Saints.

He played three in a row last September and twice played three in a row under George Burley in 2005/06 after finishing a loan spell at Burnley.

Full story: See today's Daily Echo.