SOUTHEND United’s youth team chief Ricky Duncan will be an interested spectator when England face Norway in a warm up for the forthcoming European Championships tomorrow.

Duncan played a huge part in the development of goalkeeper John Ruddy during their time together at Cambridge United.

And he would love to see the shot-stopper make his international debut this weekend.

“I worked with John for three years at Cambridge and I’ve stayed in touch with him ever since so it would be a very proud moment for me if he made his England debut this weekend,” said Duncan.

“Throughout the years he’s always sent me shirts from big games he’s been involved in and I will definitely be asking for the one from this weekend if he plays - but I’m pretty sure he will want to keep it for himself.”

Duncan began working with Ruddy, who is now with Norwich City, from the age 16 and eventually saw him progress in to the first team at the Abbey Stadium.

But he originally joined Cambridge as an outfield player.

“John was scouted playing on pitch before going in goal and he was always one who you thought would do well,” said Duncan.

“He had a fantastic work ethic and nothing phased him at all.

“He ended up being nicknamed the Ice-Man and I’ll always remember his first team debut.

“Cambridge were fighting relegation at the time and he saved a penalty late on at Leyton Orient to get us a vital 1-0 win.”

Ruddy left Cambridge for Everton in a £250,000 deal in 2005 before enjoying several spells out on loan.

And he almost came close to coming to Southend.

“I did suggest John came here at one point but nothing ever happened,” said Ricky.

“He wanted to go out and get games and he’s worked incredibly hard.

“I still remember him having to pile all the kit in to our mini-bus then drive 20 minutes before doing the same to come back.

“We trained on Cambridge Common and it just goes to show that it’s not always about the facilities on offer because that’s how John started and he’s now about to play for England on the back of a good season in the Premier League and it’s great to see.”

Duncan is now focused on bringing through more good young players for Blues.

And he was delighted by the progress several of his starlets made this season.

“We made the decision to go with a young side, containing a lot of first year scholars and I’m really pleased with how we’ve done,” said Duncan.

“I know we may have finished sixth but we were only six points off the top and some of the lads really improved which bodes well for next season.”