THE man who discovered Sam Gallagher is backing the Saints striker to do a Harry Kane.

No-one was more pleased to see the teenager’s spectacular winning goal in the U21s Premier League Cup final than John James, the 81-year-old Plymouth Argyle scout who spotted the talented forward nearly a decade ago.

It was the high point of what has been a frustrating season for the 19 year-old, a serious knee injury having kept him out of action until February.

With time on his side, James believes Gallagher has what it takes to become the next young striker to make an impact on the Premier League.

He said: “I’m expecting big things from Sam. You don’t get many 18 year-old strikers doing well in the Premier League so to be playing at that level at that age, like he did last season, means you have to have something special.

“And Sam will only get better. He hasn’t had Harry Kane’s experience but Kane’s got three years on him and before this season no-one had heard of him.”

Sam Gallagher fires in the winning goal in the U21 Premier League Cup final

Gallagher scored on his FA Cup debut against Yeovil Town last season and netted his first Premier League goal against Norwich City 13 months ago – before being likened to Zlatan Ibrahimovich by Saints captain Jose Fonte.

He last played for the first team when he made his 15th appearance as a substitute, against Manchester United at the end of last season.

“I think he would have been a regular in the first team this season if it wasn’t for his injury,” continued James.

“He’s a natural goalscorer, he’s big and strong and he can hit the ball with both feet. If you give him the ball, he’ll finish.”

James, who discovered Lee Sharpe at the beginning of his scouting career with Torquay United, first spotted Gallagher playing in an U11s tournament for West Exe FC in the Devon town of Brixham.

He soon realised he had found another gem. “Even at that age he was a big lad but it was also clear he had something special.

“So I spoke to his mum and signed him that day. I remember him scoring a hat-trick at Arsenal when he was 14, one of which was a volley that was different class.

“Charlie George was there and made a point of telling me how impressed he’d been.

“Sam’s also a nice lad with it. He conducts himself properly, he’s a model footballer whose family have done a great job.”