Schneiderlin in French set-up

Morgan Schneiderlin has been selected to represent the French Under-20 team this summer.

The 19-year-old will be playing at the Mediterranean Games which will take place in the Italian city of Pescara between 25th June and 5th July 2009.

The central midfielder has already captained the Under-19’s and is eager to take the next step in his career.

Speaking to the official website he said: ‘I’m really happy to have been picked and I want to go to Italy now and show them what I can do,’ Schneiderlin said. ‘The Under-20’s coach [Luc Rabat] was also my coach for the Under-16’s, 17’s and 19’s, so he knows me and I know a lot of the other players who have been selected.’

Saints fans could not see Morgan’s full potential, because his season was spoiled by injury.

‘I am one of just two players in this French Under-20 squad who plays outside of France, so it’s good to see that they have been watching me. I know that one of the coaches came two or three times to see me play for Southampton, and they said that I had made good progress, so that gave me encouragement.’ He continued.

‘I’m obviously disappointed that Southampton got relegated, but it’s good to relax because we will have a long season in League One next year.’