ENGLAND U-21 star Jermaine Pennant is aiming to follow in the footsteps of namesake Jermaine Jenas as he bids to become reunited with his schoolboy pal at international level

The Arsenal man, who will start for David Platt's side at the Stadium of Light tonight against Slovakia Under 21s, admits that next season is make-or-break after playing just a handful of games last season for Arsene Wenger.

And, as he wallowed in the reserves at Highbury and spent time on loan at Watford, he has seen fellow Nottingham lad, Jenas, climb through the ranks to become a regular in both the Newcastle first team and the England squad.

The two grew up together playing in the same sides at junior level before they were separated by the River Trent - Pennant taken on at Notts County before his move to Highbury at 16, and Jenas at Forest. "We both played in a Saturday morning team when we were nine," said 20-year-old Pennant.

"And all through the stages in the district team in Nottinghamshire we played together.

"JJ's doing well now and that's what it's all about. If you're playing regularly in the Premier League and doing well, you've got a great chance of getting into the senior squad.

"You never know, if I start playing regularly I could get the call-up and we could be reunited again.

"But he's a great inspiration and a great lad. There's good rivalry between us.

"If I do ever get that senior call-up then we could have a little competition with him in the centre and me on the right - although David Beckham might have something to say about that.

"I spoke to him (Jenas) this week and he wished me good luck for the game and told me he'd be watching."

Tonight's match will seem a world away from Pennant's last visit to the region.

He was sent home in disgrace from the U-21s after breaking a curfew leading up to the game against Turkey at St James' Park - a matter which he is happy has now been resolved.

Pennant said: "It was a bad mistake on my part and I have apologised to the people who it means most to, and who it has affected most. I apologise to the fans as well because it is not nice to see from an English player.

"I'm just happy to be back in the squad and playing."

Pennant starred last week in the Under-21s 3-2 friendly win over Serbia and Montenegro at Hull's Kingston Communication Stadium, and felt his performance was a great way to thank Platt for the faith he has shown in him.

Pennant said: "I think I repaid the boss with that performance. But you learn from your mistakes."

Although last season was disappointing for Pennant with just five Premiership appearances for Arsenal, he did finish with some style, hitting a superb hat-trick in the Gunners' 6-1 win over Southampton.

And if he is to follow Jenas to full international honours, then next season he must ensure his standards remain at such a high level.

"If I do get my chance, I have to take it," admitted Pennant.

"Ashley Cole had four starts for Arsenal and he was in the England senior team. Hopefully if I get the starts and do well you never know what could happen.

"I have been patient and I am willing to be a bit more patient."

Under-21 boss Platt will select Pennant to play on the right side of midfield at Sunderland, with Jermain Defoe and Newcastle's Shola Ameobi up front.

Ameobi is the only likely starter from the North-East players in the squad with Middlesbrough full-back Stuart Parnaby and Newcastle United pair Darren Ambrose and Michael Chopra all hoping to play some part in the game.

Platt will have Gareth Barry back on duty as skipper for tonight's game; the Aston Villa defender stepped down from the full squad after playing against Serbia & Montenegro last week.

England currently lie third in their group three points behind leaders Turkey, and Platt is hoping the North-East crowd play their part in ensuring the youngsters get the win they desperately need to stay in the hunt for qualification for the Under-21s Euro 2004 Championships.

* Match tickets for tonight's game, which kicks off at 8pm, are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for juniors. Family tickets (two adults, two children) are priced at £25 and group discounts for parties of ten or more are also available

Fans can also use the free park-and-ride scheme or park at the stadium. Park-and-ride buses will operate for two hours before kick-off, with pick-up points at the enterprise park on the A1231.

After the game, buses will pick up opposite the Colliery Tavern. Parking at the ground is £5 and space can be bought in advance from the SAFC ticket office.