HIGH school pupils showed more than a 'passing' interest in the French language when two potential soccer stars of the future dropped by.

Jeremy Bon and Gerald Forschelet, both 18, belong to the footballing academy at Premiership club Bolton Wanderers.

Yet it wasn't their silky footballing skills they were teaching to pupils -- but the pleasing sounds of the French language.

The pair took time out from their intense training to help Year 10 pupils at Southlands High School study for their GCSE French.

The pupils interviewed the players and found out about their background, their early life, their family life and also how they are finding life in England.

The students are now writing an interview and, together with photographs, will send it back to the players.

Jeremy and Gerald are currently playing in the reserves at Bolton and are hoping for a first team break-through in the near future.

Jeremy is a young goalkeeper and considered a great prospect, while midfielder Gerald has attracted interest from West Ham, Rangers and Chelsea.

Danny Rewben, communications manager for Bolton Wanderers, said: "The pair have been in England about a year so they are also learning English. By visiting schools they learn the importance of the community. It will also help the school children in the classroom."

Anne Gaffney, Southlands' head of modern languages, said: "It was a wonderful opportunity for pupils to actually practise their conversational French with French nationals.

"The pupils really did enjoy the experience and are keen to put together their written portraits of the players and send them off to the club.

"We will be looking to undertake the same experience with other players from France and Spain over the course of the year."

Jeremy said: "It has been very enjoyable."