Somerset opener Arul Suppiah is set to gain a British passport by 2011 – and departing skipper Justin Langer has tipped him to play for England.

The 26-year-old Malaysia-born all-rounder has lived in this country since he was 13, but has never qualified to appear for his adopted nation because of a spell playing club cricket in Australia in 2005-6.

But Somerset are confident he will soon qualify on residential grounds and Langer predicts a bright future for Suppiah after he scored 1,201 first-class runs in 2009.

Langer said: "He has been the success story of the year. There has been a lot of talk about Ian Blackwell leaving but, when someone like him leaves the club, someone steps up and Arul would never have got the opportunity if Blacky was still here.

"He has stepped in brilliantly getting 1,200 runs at an average of 50 and taking 15 wickets. He has been great in all forms of the game.

"Marcus (Trescothick) has been brilliant, Charl (Willoughby) and Alfonso (Thomas) have had a good year.

"I am so pleased for Arul because when I got to the club three years ago I could see the hunger in him that you rarely see in county cricket.

"You don't see it often enough and to see his work ethic succeed, I am so proud of him and pleased for him.

"It couldn't happen to a better person and I have said to the team that he is a shining example to everyone at the club. Marcus is the same, he works hard and gets the rewards.

"If we had 11 or 15 blokes that followed his lead we would have an outstanding cricket club. Hopefully the guys will use him as an example.

"Cameron White had an awesome work ethic and now he is playing international cricket for Australia and if Arul's situation sorts itself out, and it is looking really positive, then he has got to have a chance to play for England with the way he has developed this year.

"I actually really enjoy watching him bat, like I do with Craig Kieswetter. They are both confident with great techniques."

Suppiah's current work permit includes next season and director of cricket Brian Rose said: "I suspect we won't know for sure with Arul until next year but we are 99 per cent sure we will be successful."

Suppiah has already played Under-15 and Under-17 cricket for England as a UK passport is not required at that level.

His name was discussed by the national selectors for one-day cricket three years ago, partly because of his brilliant fielding and useful left-arm spin bowling.

Since then Suppiah has gained confidence from regular selection by Somerset and demonstrated a greater range of strokes as a consequence, culminating in his 29-ball 52 not out against Durham in the final Pro40 game last week.

Suppiah and Somerset fly out to India for the inaugural Champions League tomorrow.