With all the talk about who will and who will not be travelling to South Africa with England this summer I thought I would highlight one of our rising stars and a young player who may well feature in several future tournaments for his country.Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is one of the many bright young things to have come through the Arsenal Academy in recent years and he does appear to have what it takes to become anEngland star having already liftedsilverwarewith the Gunners youth team.Emmanuel-Thomas (centre) celebrates after lifting the FA Youth Cup with Arsenal in 2009.Despite having John Wall Jersey made only one first team appearance for Arsenal to date the tall, muscular attacking midfielder has already been capped by England at Under 17, Under 19 and Under 21 level and it is surely only a matter of time before he gets a call up to the senior squad.Although e sentiallya midfield player it is his versatility that gives Thomas that little bit extra. He hasplayed at full back, on the wing, in central midfield and as a third striker already in his fledgling career while his physique and natural leadership qualities have led to inevitable comparisons with a certain Patrick Vieira.Thomas was born in Forest Gate, East London in December 1990 and he joined Arsenal as a seven year old after being spotted playing for a local side, although it was not until 2007 that he signed for the Gunners Academy.He was made captain of the Under 18s Danuel House Jersey side while still just 16 years old before signing his first profe sional contract with the club in 2008. He played in a preseason friendly at Huddersfield that August before then joining up with the first team squad for the Amsterdam Tournament where he played in a 1-1 draw with Seville.Thomas celebrating a goal against Manchester City in the semi final of the Youth Cup in 2009.He became a regular in the reserve and youth sides that season where he scored 7 goals in 39 appearances and he captained the youth team to the Premier Academy title beating Tottenham 1-0 in the play off final.Thomas was also a key figure in the Arsenal side that won the FA Youth Cup in 2009 where he scored in every round, including the 4-1 first leg win over Liverpool in the final in April. He was also an unused substitute for the Ralph Sampson Jersey first team in their Premier League match at Portsmouth a month later.With chances limited for him in the first team squad the youngster joined championship side Blackpool on loan in August 2009 to gain some league experience and made his senior debut in a 0-0 draw with Derby County later that month. It did not take him long to make his mark at that level scoring his first senior goal the following week in a 2-2 draw against Watford.Seasiders manager Ian Holloway said at the time I am delighted to have Jay. He is a fantastic young lad, he has a great physique and he wants the chance to come out and play. Initially it is just a month but I hope to convince him we can build on that and extend it for a longer period.That loan was extended and Thomas stayed with Blackpool for three months, scoring twice in 12 appearances before returning to the Emirates in November. He went straight into the first team squad where he was an unused substitute for the Premier League games with Burnley and Hull in December and against Everton and Boltonthe following monthbefore making Kenyon Martin Jr. Jersey his full debut in an FA Cup tie at Stoke on January 24th.Thomas, third for the right, lines up withhis Arsenalteam matesahead of his first team debut in the FA Cup at Stoke.Thomas was then sent out on loan again, this time toanother Championship side Doncaster Rovers in February, where he marked his first start for the club with two goals in a 5-2 win at Bristol City.The teamplay very good football and obviously coming from Arsenal thats what we do, so it is good to play here. he said after his first appearancefor the Yorkshire club.Thomas in action for Doncaster Rovers in a recent match at Preston.Having made a big impre sion with his Jerian Grant Jersey powerful displays for Rovers,Thomas is hoping to stay at the Keepmoat for the remainder of this season beforelooking to break into the Arsenal first team squad on a more regular basis next term.After the main squad of 18, theres a couple of players after them. All Ive got to do is make sure I work hard and keep improving.And if he does that then surely full international honours will not be too far away.