DANNY Ings could play a Teddy Sheringham-like role for England.

That is the verdict of former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson, who believes the Saints striker is close to a recall given his form and ability to link play as well as score goals

Three years after winning his first cap, Ings’ saints form has put him back in England contention.

And Merson believes that time is soon, with England set for a UEFA Nations League double header away to Croatia and Spain.

The talkSPORT pundit said: “Ings won’t be far away soon. I’m a huge fan.

“When you’re playing international football the first thing you want is a clever football brain and he’s got that.

“He’s not blessed with lightning (pace).

“He’s a Teddy Sheringham, he can see things other players don’t.

“Sooner or later he will get a chance. If Ings gets five in five or six in six he has to be in."

Ings has scored two goals in three Premier League starts for Saints since signing on loan from Liverpool on transfer deadline day.

He won his only England cap in October 2015, as a substitute for Harry Kane in a European Championship qualifying win away to Lithuania a few months after his move to Liverpool from Burnley, for whom he scored 43 goals in 106 league and cup starts.

He scored three Premier League goals in six starts (and eight sub appearances) during his injury-plagued Liverpool career.

Now, with Jamie Vardy retired from international football, a squad place may well open up for the in-form former Cherries striker.