ENGLAND under 21 manager Stuart Pearce believes winger Michael Kightly has a big future in the game.

The former Chalvedon schoolboy, who has played for both Grays Athletic and Southend United, was called up by Pearce for Tuesday night's friendly with Romania.

And, after Kightly produced an assured performance in the opening 45 minutes of the 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate, Pearce is expecting to hear a lot more about the 21-year-old.

"Michael has done incredibly well," said the former England and Nottingham Forest left-back.

"He hasn't been out of the non league game for that long but he's someone I've been impressed and he deserved this opportunity.

"I'm sure he has a big future ahead of him."

Kightly, 21, featured on the right wing and did not look out of place as England battled to secure a stalemate.

The Basildon born youngster was taken off at half-time but Pearce insisted that had always been the plan.

"No matter how badly or well he played Michael was always going to just play 45 minutes," confirmed Pearce.

"I wanted to have a look at Adam Johnson as well but I thought Michael did well.

"We have another two games next month and if he's available then I see no reason why he won't be selected again."

Those clashes are away at Montenegro and Bulgaria as Pearce's troops begin their qualification campaign for the 2009 European Championships which will be held in Sweden.

He is confident of his side making those finals - as they did in the Netherlands this summer just gone - and is sure they will improve the more they play together.

"We had quite a few people playing at this level for the first time on Tuesday so there was bound to be a lot of nerves," said Pearce.

"They will get better with time and so will the team.

"This felt a bit like a pre-season friendly when you're trying to bring new signings into the team but when I sit down and watch the match on the video I'm sure I'm going to pleased with what I see.

"There are things to work on but we will do that and come back next time stronger."