GLENN Hoddle's England are eyeing Burnley's wing wizard Paul Smith.

And the Lancashire Evening Telegraph can exclusively reveal that England's Under-21 coach Dave Sexton has watched Smith in action several times this season.

Now if Smith's development continues at Turf Moor he could be in line for an international call-up in the future.

It is a thrilling development for the 21-year-old who has burst on to the first team picture under the new management regime and recently pledged his future to the club by signing a two and a half year deal.

Burnley manager Adrian Heath confirmed: "Dave Sexton and one or two of the England coaches have watched Paul Smith and they've informed us about the situation.

"They are taking a really close interest in the lad and that is recognition of the way that Paul Smith has developed as a footballer over the past year.

"He is a great talent and a sensible lad. If he realises his potential then he can play at the very top of his profession."

Smith made his Clarets league debut as a substitute at Exeter in May 1994 in Burnley's last league game of the 1994 promotion season. But it wasn't until Adrian Heath arrived that Smith was handed his first serious opportunity, making his full debut in Heath's first game in charge at Bristol City nearly a year ago.

Since then Smith has developed into one of the most exciting talents in Division Two.

Smith's progression is a feather in the cap for Heath and John Ward who last week saw defender Chris Brass called up as standby for the Football League squad named for the Inter-League clash with their Italian counterparts at Sampdoria's Luigi Ferraris Stadium on Wednesday.

Heath added: "There are scouts flocking to every home game and that just goes to prove that we've got a number of very good players at Burnley.

"All the youngsters have developed and Paul and Chris Brass are now first team regulars. They have worked very hard and all credit to the boys."

Smith, though, is doubtful for Saturday's clash at Bournemouth with a knee injury.

Cash-strapped Bournemouth, who face the Clarets at Dean Court on Saturday, were due to meet the Football League's board of directors today.

Bournemouth are in receivership with debts of £4.4 million and will be expected to give a cash pledge to league chiefs that they will be able to fulfil their remaining fixtures this season.

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