YOUNG GUN NKETIAH TO BE A GREAT

EDDIE NKETIAH has been told to become an Arsenal goalscoring regular if he wants to break into Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

The Under-21 star needs one goal against Turkey tonight to become the all-time record Young Lions scorer, nudging ahead of Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers.

U-21 coach Aidy Boothroyd says Nketiah has “an aura” about him, and has to get to the point of fans and coaches knowing he will convert when he gets a chance, to be trusted with jumping to the next level.

England will clinch ha a place at the Euro finals starting in March with a win, as Nketiah goes for his landmark – and Boothroyd (right) will field his strongest st team.

He said: “Eddie is destined for some big things. He will have to be playing regular games for his club and be scoring goals.

“Hopefully we can see him make that next step becoming a regular with Arsenal and the seniors.

“He has work to do but he can go on and do really well.”

Nketiah has two goals for the Gunners this season and nine in total. He grabbed five on loan at Leeds last year, mainly coming off the bench.

Boothroyd said: “There are always comparisons. You look at Shearer and Harry Kane – that is when you make the step from good young player to top senior.

“Eddie is not quite there yet but not far off. He has an aura of responsibility and leadership about him. He is a natural.”