As Carlos Alberto Parreira continues to cast his experienced eye over South African talent, he could do worse than take a look at a Johannesburg-born youngster plying his trade in the English Championship for Southampton.
Andrew Surman, 20, is an attacking midfielder who was born in Johannesburg, but moved to Southampton at a young age.
Surman has come through the ranks at Southampton and has been a regular in the first team this season.
On Saturday he marked a return from injury with a hat-trick as the Saints thrashed Barnsley 5-2. The victory keeps Southampton in with a good chance of finishing among the play-off spots at the end of the season.
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'It was fantastic to get a hat-trick' Surman netted in the 10th and 79th minutes and added a final minute penalty to complete his hat-trick.
"It was fantastic to get a hat-trick - I can't remember the last time I did that. It was probably back in schoolboy football," Surman told the club's official website.
Surman is not exactly a prolific goalscorer - he now has just five goals from 37 appearances for Southampton, but he earned high praise from Southampton coach George Burley.
"Since I have been here, I have been really pleased with Andrew Surman and his development. He has really grown in stature," Burley told the club website.
"He has been out injured for five weeks, but has come back in and has been outstanding and I am delighted for him."
Surman was watched on Saturday by his parents, Julia and Steve, and his girlfriend, Laura.
"It meant a lot because I have always supported Saints. I grew up watching them. My mum and dad are season ticket holders," continued Surman.
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This article was originally published on page 16 of The Star on February 21, 2007
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