Emerging British XI

By Phil Jackson   Last updated: 24th December 2007

Johnson Michael

Johnson: Emerging talent

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Goalkeeper Joe Hart

Stuart Pearce signed the fledgling Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper for £1.5 million at the end of the 2005/06 season in undoubtedly his best piece of business at Manchester City. Sven Goran Eriksson's failure to bring in a keeper over the summer has allowed the 20-year-old to go on to establish himself as one of City's top prospects. He usurped Kasper Schmeichel in between the sticks earlier on this season and with greater first team experience should begin to interest incoming England boss Fabio Capello over the next few years.

Full-back Danny Simpson

Wes Brown's expiring contract and Gary Neville's recent injury record could combine to see Sir Alex Ferguson relying more and more on the Salford-born full-back. He has proved adept playing alongside Manchester United's stars and the young guns at Old Trafford at varying stages this season after helping take Sunderland to promotion last season. And few other youngsters will be getting the workout Simpson gets against Cristiano Ronaldo in training so watch this space.

Full-back Chris Gunter

Cardiff City's stopper picked up the Championship's Apprentice of the Year award in March and he has gone on to make his international debut since. The Welshman broke Graham Moore's 48-year record as the Bluebirds' youngest ever senior international at the end of last season and he has landed a move to join Tottenham Hotspur in January as a result.

Centre-back Krystian Pearce

The 17-year-old Birmingham City defender helped lead England's youngsters to the UEFA European Under 17 Championship final in May. Since then he has gone on to play for England's Under 19 side and is currently on loan at Notts County. He scored his first senior goal in the Football League against Shrewsbury Town in December and Birmingham are sure to benefit from the valuable experience he is getting.

Centre-back Michael Mancienne

Former Queens Park Rangers boss John Gregory has described the defender as "one of England and Chelsea's brightest young talents". Mancienne was a rock at the back on loan at Loftus Road last season and he has stayed on for the current campaign with opportunities at Chelsea limited. But Avram Grant is still monitoring the youngster's progress closely as Roman Abramovich's purse strings appear to have tightened.

Midfield Adam Johnson

Middlesbrough's left winger has been a huge success on loan at Championship promotion hopefuls Watford this season, scoring five times in his first 12 appearances for the club. There are high hopes for the youngster at the Riverside though and with Stewart Downing's future uncertain his big breakthrough could be just around the corner.

Midfield Danny Guthrie

The Liverpool midfielder has thrived on loan at the Reebok Stadium despite Bolton Wanders' poor start to the season. Man of the Match in the shock victory over Manchester United in November, Guthrie has a bright future although he might best be suited away from Anfield.

Midfield Michael Johnson

Johnson made his Manchester City debut last season and finished the campaign as a regular starter. Despite the change of management at Eastlands and the millions that have been spent, Johnson has gone on to prove his quality in the middle of midfield, earning comparisons with City legend Colin Bell in the process.

Midfield James Henry

The Reading winger has scored three goals in seven appearances on loan at Bournemouth as he builds up his first team experience. Having spent time at Nottingham Forest last season he is expected to return to the Madejski toughened up and ready for the rigors of the Premier League.

Striker Sean Scannell

Scannell scored a last minute winner on his home debut for Crystal Palace as Neil Warnock has given youth a chance at Selhurst Park this season. Palace had been looking to bring a front man in during the January transfer window, but if Scannell continues develop he could save his manager the job.

Striker Ched Evans

The Manchester City starlet enhanced a growing reputation with a hat-trick for Wales' Under 21s against France in November and he has joined Norwich City on loan since. He has picked up where he left off with City's reserves with two goals in five games at Carrow Road. And big things are expected from the youngster at the City of Manchester Stadium.