After only 15 starts for the Leicester Tigers, Tom Croft has been included in Brian Ashton's England squad for the Six Nations after some stirling performances that display the kind of potential that could make him an international star in years to come.
Only 22-years-old, Croft has incredible pace, handling skills and strength. He has already earned the respect of Tigers teammate Martin Corry, who has many England caps on the flank.
"England have never really had his sort of player - he looks lean but he's very strong, very quick and very skilful," said Corry.
Tigers' forwards coach Richard Cockerill has indirectly made claims that Croft is quicker than speedsters Alesana Tuilagi and Seru Rabeni. "He's probably the second quickest player in our squad after Tom Varndell," he said.
Despite all the praise he's been receiving, Croft's call up to the England squad took him by surprise.
"It was a big shock," he said. "I knew the papers had been talking about me being in the squad, but I expected to be in the Saxons team really. But this is brilliant.
"I am not in the team yet, but it will be a great experience anyway."
Last weekend he finished off two cracking Leicester tries against Harlequins, showing once again that he's a tremendously exciting player with great awareness and the skills of a back.
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