CHRIS KIRKLAND (Liverpool): The giant reserve goalkeeper signed from Coventry last summer for £6 million, having made just 24 first team appearances, is an outstanding prospect. Has played just one Premiership game for the Reds so far.

JLLOYD SAMUEL (Aston Villa): Full-back who can play on either flank. He went out on-loan to Gillingham last season but has become an important squad member under Graham Taylor.

MATT TAYLOR (Portsmouth): Has impressed as an ever-present full-back for the First Divsion leaders this season, after joining from Luton for £400,000 in the summer.

TITUS BRAMBLE (Newcastle): Signed from relegated Ipswich for £5 million, the classy centre-back has started each game for Bobby Robson this year.

GARETH BARRY (Aston Villa): Platt's captain went to Euro 2000 with the senior squad. He can play in central defence as well as the left side of midfield.

MICHAEL CARRICK (West ham): Has full squad experience with two appearnces under Sven Goran Eriksson. The tall, elegant midfielder has proved himself as an excellent passer of the ball and a hard-tackler.

JERMAINE JENAS (Newcastle): Signed for Newcastle from Nottingham Forest for £5 million last season. The composed midfielder is England's second most expensive teenager, after Robbie Keane.

DAVID PRUTTON (Nottm Forest): Another promising youngster who has come through under Paul Hart. Several Premiership clubs have been linked with the midfielder.

JERMAINE PENNANT (Arsenal): The exciting right-winger who has great pace and loves to run with the ball. He is the Gunners' youngest ever first-teamer, at 16 years and 319 days.

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS (Man City): Son of Ian Wright is making a name for himself at Manchester City as a right-sided midfielder or wing-back.

MATTHEW ETHERINGTON (Spurs): The midfielder has really started to make a name for himself after a period on-loan at Bradford last year.

FRANCIS JEFFERS (Arsenal): Signed from Everton for £8 million in 2001, described as 'a fox in the box' by Thierry Henry, but has struggled with an ankle injury since.

JERMAIN DEFOE (West ham): Was close to a call-up for the full squad, West Ham's diminuitive striker is fast, agile and has a keen eye for goal.

PETER CROUCH (Aston Villa): The beanpole striker arrived at Aston Villa via Tottenham, QPR and Portsmouth, for £5 million in February and made his debut against Wanderers.