Ashley Jackson has the ability to become an England star of the future.

That is the verdict of his player-coach at East Grinstead Hockey Club, Kwan Browne.

And if anyone knows what it takes to excel on the international stage, then Browne does.

Considered one of the best players in the world, Browne is captain of the Trinidad and Tobago international side in addition to his role at East Grinstead.

Jackson starred at Saint Hill as East Grinstead won promotion to National premier two last season and he is again playing a leading role in a tremendous start to the current campaign which has seen Grinstead win five of their first six games.

This week the midfield creator took the first major step to becoming a big name in the international arena after being named in the England under-18 squad.

The 26-man squad will get together for training camps at Bisham Abbey later this month and then again in Spain in December before being whittled down to a party of 16 for next year's European Under-18s Championships.

While East Grinstead have the talent to win games without Jackson, the 17-year-old's contribution when he plays is huge.

Jackson has emerged as the brightest young talent in Sussex hockey during the last 18 months and Browne is adamant he can go further.

He said: "Ashley has matured a lot over the last season and a half. For such a young player, we have given him a lot of responsibility.

"He is responsible for setting up most of our attacks and plays a big role in short corners. His game is about creating goals and scoring them.

"Ashley is a major part of the team and he plays more like a 26-year-old than a 17-year-old.

"There is still a lot to work on like strength and speed but those things will come with games.

"We found it strange that he didn't get in the England under-18 squad last year. I have seen him play against past England players and made them look ordinary.

"Now he has got in, he will move on from the under-18s to the under-21s and to the senior set-up.

"I believe he can be a full international but he has to keep his head strong. A lot of good players go missing around university age. Ashley needs to keep working at what he does and not start thinking he is bigger than the game."

Jackson was disappointed not to make the squad last year.

He said: "I felt I should have had a place last year so I was relieved as much as anything when I heard this year.

"I feel I have improved 100 per cent at East Grinstead over the last couple of years. Playing with the players they have has been great for me.

"A lot of my game is very similar to Kwan's, so it is easy to watch and pick up things from him.

"I have been pleased with how it has gone this year. I feel the higher level I play at, I pick up my game more."

Jackson is nursing a hamstring injury but hopes to be back in action soon to stake his claim to be in that final squad of 16.

He said: "It is a very nice feeling to pull on your shirt and play for your country.

"My next aim would be the Olympics in 2008 but I would have to be very lucky to be there."