Scarlett Smith is one of the rising stars of the Saints Academy. At just seventeen she is already a first team regular.

Scarlett spoke to BBC Southampton Pete Thomposn about Saints, her finest goal and some very odd superstitions.

A blustery night on Worthy Down and the Southampton Saints are preparing for their next match in the Premier League Southern Division.

But thanks to the generosity of their manager Sue Lopez, seventeen year old Scarlett Smith was able to take a breather for five minutes to chat to BBC Southampton.

Hi Scarlett
Hi Pete.

Bit cold out there isn't it?
Freezing.

You must be keen?
Definitely, I just love it.

It's not been a great start to the season though has it?.
Yeah, we're getting better every game though and we're scoring goals and playing much better football - and we were the better team on Sunday.

Feeling optimistic then?
We've played four games and we've lost all four. But we're a group of new players, and there are lots of young players - but it is getting better.

Scarlett has high hopes - and strange obsessions.

Where's that first win coming from then?
Well, in the last match on Sunday we were 2-1 up with ten minutes to go.... but we lost 3-2 - a lack of concentration I think.

Ooops.
Yeah - we had a bit of a telling off from the manager for that one.

Where did it all start for you Scarlett?
I've always kicked a ball around since I was little - it just came naturally. I started off with Southampton in the U14 School of Excellence and here I am.

Ambitious?
Yes definitely. I just love it even though we're not getting any financial reward - you've just got to love the sport. My ambition is obviously to play for England. And I love watching it too - I'm a St. Mary's season ticket Holder.

How about your best goal?
Against Chelsea - it was an evening game. The ball came to me and I hit it with the outside of my boot from outside the area and it curled into the top right corner.

Sounds dreamy - what about the celebration?
Oh I just copy the James Beattie celebration. He's my idol - him and Wayne Bridge - because Bridgey's a Southampton lad and he's made it big.

What about pre-match superstitions Scarlett?
Well nothing really...well, except I've got some photos that I put inside my shin pads.....

Photos? In your shin pads? Go on..
Well I've got some photos of Saints players - a couple of James Beattie and one of the Saints crest - and I put them inside my shin pads.

Really?! Bit odd isn't it?
Yeah I know - everyone rips me for it - all the girls give me a hard time - I know it makes me sound like a freak.

Anything Else?
Oh, and I always put my left sock on first - or I might break my leg.

Makes sense.

So how do you get on with the manager Sue?
She's been fantastic. When I joined the Centre of Excellence she put her faith in me - because I joined late and she stuck me in the first team. Sue has supported me and encouraged me and she's a great role model.

And there's a game coming up against Pompey.
We do get quite a lot of spectators for that game - but yeah it's not going to be pleasant - there are some nasty words.

Nasty words? This is the BBC! We'd better leave it there I think Scarlett. Thanks for your time though.
OK, no problem, bye.

If you would like to know more about the Centre of Excellence, or the Southampton Saints Academy then please contact the manager Sue Lopez.

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