Oxford student Garath McCleary gave another demonstration of his star potential by shining for England Colleges Under 19s in an international football tournament in Italy.

McCleary scored twice as England finished third in the seventh European Tournament for Youth and Amateur National Teams at Paestum, near Naples.

The Blackbird Leys teenager, who takes his final exams this month for a BTEC National Diploma in sport and exercise science at Oxford & Cherwell Valley College, grabbed the first goal in England's opening 2-1 win against Spain.

"They were all over us, but we scored twice on the break," said McCleary, who turned 19 last month.

"I won the ball and took on my man and scored from just inside the six-yard box."

Anthony Pilkington made it 2-0 to England after the break, before Spain, who included two Real Betis players, who were substitutes against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League last season, pulled one back.

After Spain then beat Northern Ireland 2-0, England made sure of topping the three-team group with a 3-0 win over the Irish.

McCleary again set them on the way, turning home a cross at the near post.

Further goals came from Neil Davies and Pilkington to put England through to the semi-finals where they faced Poland.

But, despite leading 1-0 at half-time through Chris Thackeray, Poland hit back with two second-half goals to win 2-1 and end England's hopes.

"We were really disappointed to go out to Poland because we were all over them, but that happens in football," added McCleary.

However, there was some consolation for the Slough Town striker with England beating Romania 1-0 in the third place play-off, with Pilkington again on target.

McCleary, who is hoping to break into the pro game, believes he learnt a lot from the trip the second time he has played for England in an international tournament in Italy this year.

Back in March, he also scored for his country in the Roma Caput Mundi tournament.

"I felt the experience was amazing," he said. "To win the game against Spain with all the pros they had was an amazing feat."

McCleary's display earned him rave reviews from Gordon Staniforth, England's national squad administrator, who is also involved in coaching the team.

"He was brilliant again," said Staniforth. "He is an exceptional talent and a very likeable lad. I can see big things for him.

"I can guarantee without hesitation, and I have seen a lot of football and have had a lot of experience, that he will be a star in the future."