STEVEN Holden always knew his Burnley team-mate had something a bit special.

After opening the bowling with James Anderson for the best part of nine years, he watched the rising star progress through the Lancashire League club's ranks.

But 'Jimmy's' call-up to the England squad, and subsequently the 15-man World Cup squad, was beyond Steven's wildest dreams.

And when he found out about his pal's success, half of Liverpool knew too.

"I haven't got Sky so I must have made about 20 phone calls in the middle of the night, waking everyone up, to try to find someone who had got it so I could go round to their house and watch," said Steven, who is studying for a PGCE in physical education at John Moores University in the city.

"He's done so well since he signed for Lancashire, and in such a short space of time. Every other week he'd achieved something new."

But while Steven had aspirations to play for his county as well, there is no question of him being consumed with jealousy.

"I am very proud of him. All of his team-mates at Burnley are," the 21-year-old said.

"He has really put the club on the map. And the good thing is, his success hasn't changed him at all. He's got the right temperament."

Steven and James came through the ranks at Turf Moor, opening the bowling together in the under 13s, under 15s, under 17s, B team, seconds and first team before James was whisked off to Old Trafford.

And there is one game that sticks in his memory.

"One game where we did particularly well was against Nelson, who were league champions at the time," he said.

"I was 16 and James would have been 15. We opened the bowling together and we had Nelson at 38-4 after James had got Roger Harper out with his first delivery.

"James is quick and I'm more medium pace, but we complimented each other."

As well as partnering Jimmy, Steven has been on the receiving end of the quick bowler's deliveries.

"I've faced him in the nets a few times and that was an experience. There was plenty of ducking and diving going on," he admitted.

His university course means Steven won't be able to fly out to watch Jimmy in action in the World Cup, which starts in February.

But Jimmy's parents, Michael and Catherine, are already making travel enquiries.

"We weren't able to get to Australia but we're thinking about going to South Africa now," Mr Anderson said.

"This has been a great way to end one year and begin the next."

Mrs Anderson added: "The first thing we did on Tuesday was read the squad on Teletext.

"We're absolutely delighted."