SWINDON Town manager Mark Cooper feels Louis Thompson must be closing in on a Wales Under 21 call-up, despite missing out on selection to Geraint Williams’ latest squad.

Thompson, who has been part of Wales Under 19 training camps over the course of the past year, is enjoying a breakthrough campaign with Town. The midfielder has made 25 appearances for the Robins in 2013/14, smashing his own personal target with a quarter of the season remaining and quickly establishing himself as an important member of Cooper’s matchday XI.

The 19-year-old was not included in the Wales set-up for the forthcoming UEFA qualifier against England in Derby on March 5 but Cooper is adamant a place in that squad is only just around the corner for the starlet.

“He’s been in a couple of squads for their under 19s and anyone who’s seen him play will know he’s getting better and better,” said the Town boss.

“One thing you know with Louis is he wears his heart on his sleeve, he wants to do well for the club and I think his performances are improving every time he plays.

“He’s definitely one we’re looking to for the future and I’m sure Wales have got an eye on him as well.”

Cooper feels Thompson is in the best possible place to earn international recognition, as he is getting regular gametime in the Football League at a young age.

“Without being disrespectful to Wales and Scotland I think it’s easier (to be seen by them). You see plenty of League One footballers getting into squads,” he said.

“They’ve been to watch. We’ve got one or two different nationalities coming to play for us and we’ve had scouts coming to watch them.”

Wales Under 21s are still to add a goalkeeper and an outfield player to their 16-man squad for the England fixture.