RICHARD Chaplow has already got England scouts sniffing after his spectacular rise through the ranks.

But Burnley boss Stan Ternent has warned the classy Clarets youngster he will have to bide his time before being put forward for international recognition.

The 18-year-old rookie has enjoyed a whirlwind year, in which he has rocketed from third year scholar to first team regular with a long-term contract tucked away in the bottom drawer.

But Ternent is aware the "top drawer" midfielder would leave a gaping hole in the Clarets combative midfield unit if he were to push the case for an U19 call-up.

Crazy international rules penalise individual clubs by only allowing them to postpone games if three or more players receive international recognition.

Ternent, who would love such a scenario, explained: "England are aware of Richard, but if I recommend him I can lose him for two or three weeks.

"From the player's point of view and the status of being an international, it's fantastic for him.

"But it's not good for the club so I'm not knocking on the door telling them he should be in the team."

Ternent admits he has been delighted with the form of the Accrington-born youngster, who only made his first team bow in April, but is now firmly embedded in the Clarets midfield.

Indeed, since the 3-1 win over Walsall back in early October, he has arguably been the first name on the team sheet thanks to a series of commanding displays against the likes of West Ham's Michael Carrick, Ipswich's Jim Magilton and Paul Ince of Wolves.

Ternent has overseen the progress of countless young players during five-and-a-half years at the Turf Moor helm.

But none have quite sparkled quite so brightly to give the Clarets chief such a buzz of excitement.

He added: "It would be fair to say Richard is probably the best young player to come through in my time at the club.

"He's only just starting and he has to keep his feet on the ground as we nurse him through, but he's got all the ammunition to be top drawer.

"He's athletic, comfortable with the ball, he can go both sides, score a goal, kick them off the line at the other end and he's got a good appetite.

"He's just a natural footballer who has a good temperament."

Chaplow even carries that cocky swagger of the shoulders that belies those tender years and so intimidates opposing midfielders.

Ternent added: "He can be a bit cocky at times, but most good players are and hopefully he will maintain his progress and who knows where that will take him?

"You have to have a temperament and not be fazed by anything. But the physical aspects of football are important now as well.

"They used to say you needed speed, skill, courage and aggression - and Richard seems to have all that."