LONDON, Jan 19: Zesh Rehman, a strapping centre-half at Fulham football club, has broken through the game's last glass ceiling by becoming first British Asian from Pakistan to play regularly in Premiership.

At only 21, he is valued at between one million and five million pounds and described as star-in-waiting who will disprove theory that Britain's 2.1 million Asians are not up to much when it comes to football.

Birmingham-born defender has impressed experts scouting for "next big thing" during his 17 appearances for Fulham. Five other British Asians are also playing full-time professional football, albeit for clubs three divisions below Premiership, and a growing number of younger Asians are joining youth set-ups at England's 92 clubs.

Rehman, though, is only one to prove his talent at the highest level - so far. "What he's worth depends on how he develops, but I'd say anything from one million pounds to much higher price a top centre-half would cost you," said his agent, Otis Roberts. "He has potential to be a very, very good player."

There has even been talk of him playing for Pakistan, where his parents, Khalib and Farah, were born. His emergence could broaden fans' minds, encourage clubs to sign more Asian players and increase small number of Asians who attend games, according to Kick Racism out of Football campaign.

"I saw Zesh's Premier ship debut for Fulham against Spurs," said Leon Mann of Kick Racism out of Football. "A guy behind me pointed and said to his mate: 'Is that guy Asian?' His friend replied, 'No, he can't be, he must be mixed race'. They were amazed when they realised he was Asian."

Mann hopes Rehman's growing profile will help to banish misconceptions surrounding Asians, such as they are only interested in cricket and hockey. "When Zesh is playing for Fulham live on Sky Sports, whole country will be able to see that Asians can play at highest level.

That will help to break down negative stereotypes within football and society," said Mann. Rehman disproves another myth: that Asian parents do not want their sons to play football.

Adam Licudi, sports editor of Eastern Eye, said: "Rehman is typical of third generation Asians in Britain who are interested in football and, unlike their fathers and grandfathers, are playing and watching the game." -PPI