The lightning quick West Ham United striker has spent a spell on loan at Second Division Bournemouth this season and left few in any doubt that he will be a player to watch over the forthcoming seasons.

Defoe's stunning form has culminated in a run of 10 goals in 10 games for Bournemouth which equals the post-war goalscoring record.

Though his prolific form has brought him to the attention of the national media, Defoe himself remains unmoved by the hype, preferring to concentrate on what he does best - playing football.

"I'm just really pleased the way everything's gone here," he said of his season-long stay at Bournemouth.

"The record plays on your mind a bit with what people have said, but I have just tried to get on with it and not really think about it."

The loan deal between West Ham and Bournemouth has been beneficial to all parties. Defoe has been able to gain invaluable first-team experience, West Ham have been able to see one of their most promising youngsters take his career onto another level and Bournemouth have been able to field a striker who has notched them 13 goals in 12 games.

All of which comes as no surprise to those in the England set-up who have been following Jermain's progress for a number of years now.

Martin Hunter, Defoe's coach for England Under-18's was fulsome in his praise for the striker, saying: "Jermain is a very talented player and a natural goalscorer.

"He's played an active role in the England Youth programme from Under 15 level upwards and managed to get on the scoresheet in our recent victory over Andorra.

"I'm delighted to see him doing so well at Bournemouth and look forward to following his development in the future."

That development would seem to be in safe hands at West Ham United where, under the guidance of Harry Redknapp, young English players have frequently been given their chance. Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard have all recently progressed through the ranks at Upton Park on their way to the first team and international recognition.

Indeed, Redknapp believes that there is no reason why Defoe should not be setting his sights on a place in the West Ham first team before too long.

"Jermain has got a natural goalscoring instinct and he reminds me of Ian Wright," commented the Hammers boss who signed former England international Wright from Arsenal.

"We have high hopes for him and would like to think that when he returns to us next season he can start to push for a place."