Aaron Ramsey was today put on a par with Arsenal team-mate Cesc Fabregas by Wales Under-21 manager Brian Flynn.

Ramsey will be a key figure in midfield against England on Friday in the first leg of their European Championship play-off at Cardiff's Ninian Park.

The 17-year-old joined Arsenal from Cardiff in the summer and Flynn said:

"I've been watching Aaron since he was 14. He can be anything he wants to be in the game.

"At this stage, this age, he is as good as Cesc Fabregas. I see him as a top-six Premier League star and a top international player.

"He is quite something, and I can compare him to one of the best youngsters in the world in Fabregas.

"He is very close to being a senior international. He even speaks Welsh, he ticks all the boxes."

Flynn accepts the teenager still has a lot to learn but is delighted he will do so under the guidance of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger,

"He is at a great club to progress from," said Flynn.

"They will look after him well. Ramsey will be a star at Arsenal."