SWINDON Town legend Paul Bodin has tipped Louis Thompson to, one day, make it into the Welsh senior team.

The 20-year-old, who has been involved with the Wales Under 19 set up, was an unused substitute for the Under 21s in their 1-0 win over Moldova in March 2013.

However, despite becoming a key figure in the heart of the Swindon Town midfield and securing a move to Norwich City last summer, he has not earned another call-up.

That may not be far away though with Under 21 boss Geraint Williams watching the young midfielder during Town’s away trip to Oldham ahead of the start of their UEFA Under 21 Championships qualifying campaign in March.

“He is still eligible for the under 21s and I’m sure one day, if he keeps progressing as he is, he can represent the senior team,” said Bodin, who has now been brought into the fold of the Dragons’ own age group system, taking charge of sides up to under 21 level.

“It would be phenomenal (for that to happen).

“We’ve seen international honours (at Swindon) but to go on and see someone play senior football would be tremendous.

“If players are good enough and they’re consistent enough they will get the opportunity.”

Bodin goes back a long way with Thompson after serving as youth team coach for five years and believes he has the qualities to push his way into Chris Coleman’s senior squad.

“Chris Coleman likes young players, he likes vibrant enthusiastic players,” he added.

“Wales isn’t blessed with hundreds and hundreds of quality players, if there are good young players out there, Wales are more than happy to embrace them into the set-up.

“I remember Louis as a 12-year-old and seeing him coming through, always dynamic, always loved to get a tackle in.

“Basically he just progressed through the age groups, tenacious, quick and consistent, all the attributes that you need to be a progressive player.

“He stepped up very quickly. He was in the youth team for about six months and then all of a sudden he was training with the first team and stopped playing with the youth.

“I would like to have seen him spend a little bit more time on the technical side with us, but if the first team manager’s calling we’re more than happy for him to go with the first team.”