ENGLAND and Aston Villa defender Gareth Southgate passed on his expertise to the students of the Cirencester Foot-ball Academy yesterday.

Southgate, famed for missing the penalty which knocked England out of Euro 96, took training with both the boys and girls at the academy, under the watchful eye of director Steve Lowndes.

The session was organised by Nationwide, the sponsors of England and Swindon Town.

Former Town managers Glenn Hoddle and John Gorman have previously taken sessions at the academy, a joint venture between Cirencester College and Cirencester Football Club, and one of the academy's directors is Steve Slattery, masseur to the England team.

Southgate presented Swindon girl Nicola Ralph with a player-of-the-year trophy.

The young football hopefuls combine training with academic study, which they can fall back on if they are unable to make it in the professional game.

However, Southgate's presence spurred the youngsters on and showed them what they can achieve.

Sixteen-year-old Paul Fisher, a former pupil at Ridgeway school, said: "It's been a great day and very enjoyable, and it's great to learn from someone who has achieved so much in the game.

"Visits like this give us something to aim for and I certainly hope that I can achieve the sorts of things he has."

Dean Golewicz from Haydon Wick said: "It's really good to see established players taking time out to see what young players are doing.

"It's been a very enjoyable session and he's a great role model."

Southgate watched some small-sided games and gave advice to the players.

Lowndes said: "Gareth said that he was very impressed with both the standard of play and the enthusiasm which was shown by everyone.

"I am delighted that Gareth could come down because I think he is an excellent role model and shows an example of how to behave, both on and off the pitch."