Stuart Pearce says Southampton defender could earn first Under-21s call next month

Stuart Pearce has revealed that Southampton defender Luke Shaw could be in line for his first call-up to the Under-21s for their meeting with Sweden in Walsall on 5 February.

Pearce is preparing for his side's opening game of an important year, with the European Championship Finals starting in June.

And left-back Shaw, who has already earned 14 caps with the Three Lions at U16s and U17s levels, has impressed the England Coach with his performances for the Saints.

The 17-year-old recently signed a new contract at St. Mary's and has become a regular in the Premier League chalking up 16 appearances this campaign.

"I think Luke is an outstanding talent," said Pearce, "I've seen a fair bit of him over the last month or so.

"I'll be down on Monday to watch the game against Everton, I was there on Wednesday night against Chelsea also. I don't think I've seen him play badly in all the games I've seen of him.

"For a 17-year-old playing at that standard that's quite impressive."

Pearce paid tribute to the Saints, who have seen a raft of players progress through their ranks in recent years, such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale.

"I think credit has to go to Southampton," he told BBC Sport.

"They are in the Premier League but the manager is quite happy to put the likes of [England U19s midfielder James] Ward-Prowse and Luke in the first team and credit to them for doing that.

"I think it will bear fruit, certainly it has with Luke, and it will again in the future.

"Southampton have got a real reputation of bringing talent through." 

Tickets for England Under-21s v Sweden at Walsall on 5 February are available for just £10 (adults), £5 (concessions) and their are also discounts for groups and family tickets. Click here to buy online