3:42pm UK, Tuesday September 16, 2003

George Clooney has promised to teach British starlet Keira Knightley a lesson - in how to speak with an American accent.

Clooney has long admired Knightley

Gorgeous George is set to direct the Bend It Like Beckham actress in The Jacket - a tale of a falsely imprisoned man who can see into the future.

George told The Sun: "I have long been an admirer of Keira. I'm looking forward to working together."

And asked whether he was worried that Middlesex born Knightley might have problems mastering the yanky accent, Clooney appeared more than willing to offer personal tutelage.

"I'm sure she'll have no trouble but I have offered to help her with her drawl. Perhaps one day I'll need her for English lessons."

Since starring in Brit flick Bend It Like Beckham Knightley's career has taken off.

She landed the female lead in US blockbuster Pirates Of The Carribean and is currently filming King Arthur.