JERSEY’S Jack Boyle is banging hard on the door of a Southampton first-team debut.

The 18-year-old midfielder, the Muratti man of the match last season, signed a six-month professional deal with Championship side Saints in November, and has obviously impressed in his short time at St Mary’s.

The former Jersey Scottish midfielder, who has long attracted interest from several pro clubs, including boyhood favourites Celtic, Oldham and Wolves, came in for some serious praise – unusual for a unknown young player at a club – from reserve team manager Mark Wotte.

Speaking to journalist Gordon Simpson in the Southern Daily Echo, after Wednesday night’s 4-2 home victory over Aldershot Town Reserves, Wotte said: ‘I was very pleased with Jack Boyle, he looked very good. He’s a good lad, he’s so quick with his feet and he has a hammer of a shot with his left and right foot. Jack was the one that really shone. He’s working his socks off. He’s come straight from Jersey and every time in the reserves he’s done a great job – he’s knocking on the door.’