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Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has been a huge success at Ibrox since arriving at the club in 2018, leading his side to the Scottish Premiership title last season.

He coached his side through the entire season unbeaten, racking up 102 points and only conceding 13 goals in 38 games.

One area at which he could improve, however, is in bringing young players through into the first-team and making them regular starters. Nathan Patterson’s tally of four was the highest number of appearances made by a young academy player in the Premiership last term.

In the pipeline

Whilst a lack of involvement from academy graduates did not do anything to lessen the achievement of last season, fans would enjoy seeing young players get more chances in the first-team at Ibrox. Seeing someone rise through the ranks before becoming a key star in the Premiership would be a rewarding feeling for supporters, particularly those who follow the youth/reserve set-ups.

One player who fans could look out for in the future is Irish central midfielder Charlie McCann. Rangers signed him from Premier League giants Manchester United earlier this year for less than £1m, with McCann putting pen to paper on a three-year contract.

The 19-year-old can play as a defensive midfielder or in a box-to-box role, which could liken him to current first-team player Glen Kamara. Gerrard has placed his faith in Kamara in recent years, with the Finland international a regular fixture in the midfield.

He has, however, been linked with a move to the Premier League and that could mean that Rangers are looking for a replacement for him in the not too distant future.

Instead of splashing out big money to replace him, Gerrard could unearth his Kamara 2.0 by giving McCann a chance to show what he can do at senior level.

Rangers’ head of academy, Craig Mullholland, lauded McCann as having an ‘excellent personality’ upon his arrival at the club in the summer. He told the club’s official website:

“He has an excellent personality which, having met his parents, is driven from a strong family unit and this will allow Charlie to embrace the high quality environment, staff and provision we now have at Rangers. We all wish Charlie well as he starts his exciting Rangers journey.”

This suggests that he has the mindset required to keep progressing and developing as a footballer, to give him the best shot of making it in the first-team. He was a regular for Manchester United’s under-23’s and has been called up by Ireland and England at youth level, which indicates that he could have the potential to go far in the game.

Therefore, the versatile midfielder could be Kamara 2.0 waiting in the wings should the Finn leave for pastures new. He could be the reliable presence in the Rangers midfield that Kamara has proven himself to be, but it is now down to Gerrard to offer him an opportunity in the first-team and then for McCann to show that he can thrive at senior level.

AND in other news, Gerrard masterstroke: Rangers colossus has seen value rise 650% since joining the club…

A fiery Kemar Roach grabbed a six-wicket haul to bowl out Bangladesh for 232 before the West Indies batsmen extended the lead to 61, with nine wickets intact, by close of play in Grenada

The Bulletin by Sriram Veera18-Jul-2009Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were outSix-wicket man: Kemar Roach•AFPA fiery Kemar Roach grabbed a six-wicket haul to bowl out Bangladesh for 232 before the West Indies batsmen extended the lead to 61, with nine wickets intact, by close of play in Grenada. The lead could have been substantially more as Bangladesh were wobbling at 106 for 5, and then 157 for 7, but they rallied through vital contributions from Raqibul Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim to leave the game interestingly poised.The Bangladesh batsmen turned in a below-par performance in the morning to lose four wickets cheaply and Roach led with a sterling display in the final two sessions to charge West Indies to a good position. Tino Best, who bowled well without much luck, supported Roach as West Indies applied the squeeze on the visitors.On a slow track, Roach bowled aggressively to pose problems for the batsmen. In the second over after lunch, Roach, who had oscillated between full and short of a length to Raqibul, bowled a lifting delivery that was awkwardly fended away. Sensing a weakness, Roach fired in a few more bouncers and one hit Raqibul on the elbow, forcing attention from the physio. The next ball, predictably, was another bouncer which Raqibul skillfully evaded by swaying away. However, the follow-up delivery was the trick ball – full and outside off and Raqibul, stuck at the crease, stabbed it to the keeper. That wicket seemed to have had an effect on Shakib Al Hasan who started playing wild shots. Soon enough, he pulled a short one from Roach to midwicket and Bangladesh slid to 157 for 7.Post tea, Roach turned the heat on against Mushfiqur, who had counter-attacked his way to lead Bangladesh’s revival after the fall of Shakib. Mushfiqur had only faced six deliveries – that didn’t include any bouncers – from Roach in the second session and lasted only three Roach deliveries in the last. The first two flew past his nose and the third, a full delivery, induced a fatal drive to the keeper. Roach then harassed Shahadat Hossain with lifting deliveries before he nailed him with another bouncer. He added a sixth wicket with yet another short delivery that Mahmudullah pulled straight to fine leg.It was not completely West Indies’ day, though. Raqibul and Mushfiqur showed enough gumption to reduce the deficit before they were done in by the bumper strategy from Roach. Raqibul had walked in at 75 for 3, and before he could settle down the situation worsened to 106 for 5. Unlike in the first Test, Raqibul today played as close to the body to lead Bangladesh’s revival. Mushfiqur too turned in a plucky performance to prevent West Indies from taking a big lead.In the second session, he played out Best with caution and took to the bowling of Darren Sammy and Ryan Hinds. He unfurled a cover drive and a slash to the point boundary off Sammy before reeling off a couple of square-driven fours against Hinds. The shot of his stay, though, was an imperious slog-sweep for six off Ryan Austin.Mushfiqur’s judicious shot selection was in contrast to some of his team-mates’ performances in the morning. The bowling at the start of the day wasn’t threatening enough to take four wickets but the batting wasn’t disciplined either. West Indies didn’t bowl a cluster of pressure-building deliveries and Bangladesh prospered initially. Tamim Iqbal waited for full deliveries to drive and showed enough patience while defending or leaving the length balls outside off stump. It was a waiting game which he seemed to be winning before David Bernard produced a prod to a delivery that angled away. But with his exit, Bangladesh grew less disciplined to spoil the decent start.Their sloppy performance was best captured by Mohammad Ashraful’s dismissal. He had struggled in the first Test but here started well. He did not attempt extravagant shots and seemed to be playing each ball on its merit. He had hit a fine square drive and an on-driven boundary before the customary lapse. It was a short and wide delivery from Hinds, the left-arm spinner, and Ashraful cut it tamely to point. It was similar to how Bernard had fallen in West Indies’ innings. Both teams’ batsmen seemed to be outdoing each other in their lack of commitment.Through this game, the bowlers from both teams have fought hard to seize the initiative but the batsmen have squandered the advantage. Bangladesh would hope their bowlers can produce yet another special effort tomorrow to keep them in the game.

Leeds aren’t overly concerned about the fitness of Kalvin Phillips despite his withdrawal from the England squad, The Athletic’s Phil Hay reports. 

The lowdown

Phillips pulled out of the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Hungary after sustaining a minor calf strain.

The 25-year-old has played every Premier League minute for Leeds since he returned to the line up for their August clash with Everton.

Phillips ranks second in the squad for tackles per 90 minutes with 2.3 (behind only Liam Cooper) and is fourth for accurate long balls with four (via WhoScored). He’s yet to score or assist this season but has done so three times in the top flight overall.

He’s missed ten games in all since Leeds gained promotion, and the Whites have only managed to win two of them.

Leeds are already set to be without Robin Koch, Luke Ayling and Adam Forshaw for their trip to St Mary’s (via Premier Injuries).

The latest

In a tweet, Hay wrote that Leeds are ‘hopeful’ Phillips will not miss any Premier League action.

He also confirmed that James Ward-Prowse, who will be suspended for Leeds’ visit after a red card last weekend, is to replace him in Gareth Southgate’s squad.

The verdict

Leeds may have got their first win under their belt prior to the international break – a 1-0 victory against Watford – but the Southampton game still looks pretty important. It’s 16th vs 17th in the early table.

Win, and you feel Leeds have overcome their shaky start. Lose, and fears of a possible relegation battle will grow more widespread.

The stats clearly illustrate Phillips’ importance to the side, and it’s a massive relief for supporters and of course Marcelo Bielsa that he should be available.

In other news, what about Raphinha’s availability?

Douglas Luiz is set to miss Aston Villa’s meeting with Wolves on Saturday, according to Birmingham Live.

As to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been reacting to the news on social media.

Luiz was a late inclusion in Tite’s squad during the international break, with the Villa midfielder coming in to replace Real Madrid’s Casemiro, who had a tooth infection.

The 23-year-old hasn’t featured against Venezuela or Colombia and it is uncertain whether he will play against Uruguay on Thursday night (Friday morning UK time).

Birmingham Live claimed that he’s now set to miss the meeting at Villa Park on Saturday as he’ll be flying into the Midlands via private jet less than 24 hours before kick-off. Should that be the case, it will be the first time Dean Smith will be without Luiz in the Premier League since the opening weekend defeat to Watford.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful on Twitter shared the news regarding Luiz on Monday afternoon.

Here is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many not happy about the possibility of being without one of their regulars when club action returns, especially as he is yet to feature for his country in this international window.

“Joke”

Credit: @euanavfc

“wow”

Credit: @JackShilvock

“Villa management are a joke if they permit this. If he isn’t going to play they should demand that he comes back immediately.”

Credit: @Paul09497326

“I’m getting really fed up of these international breaks”

Credit: @AvfcTalkTime

“Fly him back now”

Credit: @GW_94

“Absolute joke this is.”

Credit: @VillaFran3

In other news: Smith looking to pip Arteta again as Aston Villa eye move for ace who has the same agency as Mings

Mark Chilton and Faf du Plessis guided Lancashire to a draw on the final day against Durham at Old Trafford

John Ward at Old Trafford14-Aug-2009
ScorecardLancashire escaped with a draw against Durham, with the only interference from the weather coming late on the final afternoon, as the rain kept away. Part of the reason was Durham’s failure to press home their advantage fully on the third evening, leading to a delayed declaration. But otherwise, both sides batted more competently on the whole in their second innings than the first. In the end, a fine fighting innings by Mark Chilton, helped by Faf du Plessis, saved Lancashire from defeat after a bad start to their second innings.This was probably due to a combination of factors. To an extent, the batsmen on either side worked out a more effective game plan the second time round, having taken on board lessons from the first innings. The pitch also did not seem to support as much turn and bounce on the last two days. But this may have been due to the one specialist spinner on each side, Gary Keedy and Ian Blackwell respectively, feeling a little tired after getting through such an unaccustomed amount of work first time round. Unfortunately few county teams nowadays carry two experienced specialist spinners, which would certainly have been desirable and quite possibly crucial on such a pitch, a type which is sadly rare in modern English cricket.Durham began the day on 256 for 5, and immediately showed the positive intent they might profitably have pursued the previous evening. Phil Mustard laid into Gary Keedy’s first over, hitting him for two boundaries in his first over, while Dale Benkenstein reached his 50, which due to his laborious batting after tea the previous day took him all of 146 balls. He only added eight, though, before he was run out through a brilliant piece of fielding by his fellow South African, du Plessis, who raced in to field a push by Mustard to midwicket and threw down the wicket with Benkenstein just short of his ground.Mustard, now in the company of Liam Plunkett, continued the assault, his most spectacular shot being a pull off Stephen Parry over the midwicket boundary for six. He ran to his 50 off 58 balls, at which point Durham declared. They had added 64 runs in ten overs, which only emphasized the time they had wasted the previous evening. They played Keedy in particular much better during the second innings, and this time his 46 overs brought him only two wickets for 107 runs.Lancashire were set 326 to win in 86 overs, a target they probably never seriously contemplated. Any dreams they might have had of glory were extinguished within a few minutes, however, as for the first time in the match apart from the opening overs of their first innings, the pace bowlers played a significant. Even then, it cannot be said that the bowling was particularly impressive, but rather that the batting was poor. First Paul Horton (3) cut a ball from Graham Onions square, only to see Benkenstein in the gully take a superb low diving catch. Three balls later, Mal Loye played indecisively to a good ball just outside his off stump and edged it to the keeper. Still with only four runs on the board, Parry was suckered out, hooking a bouncer from Callum Thorp straight down the throat of long leg, and Lancashire were facing capitulation.This was Chilton’s moment. He and VVS Laxman saw off the pacemen calmly, which was not too difficult with good judgment and avoidance of unnecessary risk. Laxman (23) went soon after lunch, like Loye nibbling outside the off stump to Onions and gifting the keeper a catch. Du Plessis came in and took root after a little uncertainty, but Chilton was Lancashire’s rock against which the Durham bowlers dashed themselves in vain. With Blackwell choosing to do most of his bowling over the wicket into the rough, he was happy to present the broadest of pads, but he was never dour. Briefly he cast aside his chains, reaching his 50 (84 balls) with a handsome four through the covers off Thorp, and followed it with another four and a pulled six in the same over. Then he returned to his valuable watchful game.Du Plessis, restraining his natural instincts, batted with increasing confidence and judgement, his own 50 taking 103 balls. A draw looked inevitable when at 4.30pm the umpires decided the light was inadequate, a decision that would certainly have caused controversy if the match was in the balance. Play was not resumed, and the two batsmen finished with 79 and 54 respectively, good reward for their sterling efforts.

While New Zealand own a decent record in Sri Lanka – three wins, three losses and five draws – it’s the nature of their recent form that leaves a mark

The Preview by Jamie Alter17-Aug-2009Match factsAugust 18-22, 2009
Start time 10.00am (04.30 GMT)The Big PictureSri Lanka is the toughest test for Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder, neither of whom has played in such sapping conditions•Associated PressIt’s a telling statistic that Daniel Vettori (5), Daryl Tuffey and Jacob Oram (2 each) are the only players in the New Zealand squad to have featured in Tests in Sri Lanka. Such are the odds stacked against the visitors as they head into another two-Test series in Sri Lanka, this time with an inexperienced squad not accustomed to victory. While New Zealand possess a decent record on the island – three wins, three losses and five draws – it’s their recent form that raises a question about their chances of success.While Sri Lanka have just completed their first home series win against Pakistan by a 2-0 margin, New Zealand have won only four Tests in the past two seasons – three of which were against Bangladesh. What makes Sri Lanka their toughest test in recent years is that hardly any of their squad have played on similar pitches or in such gruelling heat and humidity. Vettori had admitted that drawing both Tests would be a positive result for this inexperienced side, and how their newer members adapt to Sri Lankan conditions could have a significant bearing on the result.The most irritating problem for Vettori is the inconsistency of the top order. New Zealand posted totals of 297 and 240 for 6 against an unassuming attack in their final tour match and their batsmen haven’t showed the deliberation and purpose necessary to survive on unfamiliar tracks. Among the bowlers, Vettori is the most experienced and needs the rest to step up. Chris Martin and Iain O’Brien, the most likely new-ball pair, have no experience in Sri Lanka. Galle may be New Zealand’s best bet for success given how much seam has worked at the venue, and so they may consider playing three seamers.Not surprisingly, Sri Lanka start as favourites. They are fearsome at home – since New Zealand’s last tour in 2003, Sri Lanka have won nine out of 12 series, losing only to Australia and Pakistan. Their success owes plenty to the tenacity of their batsmen, led by current and former captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, whose abilities to bat long periods have resulted in victories. The hosts have a loaded top and middle order with Tillakaratne Dilshan set to open the innings. The fast bowling has rarely looked better with two crafty medium-pacers paving the way for Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath, who is enjoying a successful comeback. Also up for grabs is the No. 2 spot for Sri Lanka if they seal the series, though its not like they need further incentive to win.Test form guide (last five matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka – DWWDD
New Zealand – DDLDD
Watch out for …New Zealand’s solid middle-order pairing of Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder have impressed against various teams and in different conditions but this is the first time they’re playing against tough opposition in the subcontinent. It’s going to be hot, it’s going to be muggy, the pitches will mostly play slow and low, and then there’s Murali. On previous tours the New Zealand batsmen had to dig in and bat for long periods in sapping conditions. Can Taylor and Ryder do the same?This is also a big series for Chris Martin, who is coming back from another injury. Martin, 34, recently tied with Danny Morrison on 160 Test wickets in the same number of matches but at a better average and now finds himself leading the attack. O’Brien is less experienced and Tuffey is making a comeback, so Martin, despite playing only one Test in the subcontinent, is the man expected to show the way. The conditions in Galle will assist him but its going to be a lot tougher when the series moves to Colombo.Following his 68 off 60 balls while opening for Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI in the tour game in Colombo, Tillakaratne Dilshan is likely to replace Malinda Warnapura as Tharanga Paranavitana’s opening partner. Injury forced Dilshan out of the limited-overs leg of the recent home series against Pakistan, but his amazing form in 2009 precedes him. Never mind that it will be the first time Dilshan will be opening in his 55-Test career, he is up for any role and desperate to prove himself as an opener in Tests.Team newsMurali is back and will reclaim his spot in the XI, while Ajantha Mendis is likely to miss out again given how well Herath did against Pakistan. Dilshan opening the innings creates room for Angelo Mathews to fit in as an allrounder who offers Sri Lanka a third medium-pace option and a fit Prasanna Jayawardane should take over behind the stumps, allowing Sangakkara to focus on his batting. Nuwan Kulasekara, Man of the Series in the Tests against Pakistan, and Thilan Thushara will make up the pace attack.Sri Lanka (probable) 1 Tharanga Paranavitana, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (capt), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Thilan Samaraweera, 6 Angelo Mathews, 7 Prasanna Jayawardene (wk), 8 Nuwan Kulasekara, 9 Thilan Thushara, 10 Rangana Herath, 11 Muttiah Muralitharan.Despite making only 64 runs in three innings, Tim McIntosh should keep his place as opener alongside Martin Guptill, whose three innings have yielded 80 runs. Guptill’s only half-century on tour was an assured 54 in New Zealand’s first innings of the last warm-up while McIntosh dropped anchor for 43 in the second innings. Daniel Flynn will bat at No. 3 and Jacob Oram should slot into the allrounder’s spot at No. 7. New Zealand may be tempted to play an extra seamer given Galle’s reputation but Patel should step in to partner Vettori. Martin and O’Brien are the first-choice quick men and Tuffey’s lack of international outings over the past few years could go against him.New Zealand: (probable) 1 Tim McIntosh, 2 Martin Guptill, 3 Daniel Flynn, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Jesse Ryder, 6 Brendon McCullum (wk), 7 Jacob Oram, 8 Daniel Vettori (capt), 9 Jeetan Patel, 10 Iain O’Brien, 11 Chris Martin.Pitch and conditionsDuring the last Test played in Galle – in July during the monsoons – the pitch reacted to moisture and the match was won in three days and a session. The ball seamed around throughout the game and conditions were exploited well by the quick bowlers of both Sri Lanka and Pakistan, but ultimately the visitors’ inadequacy with the bat proved decisive on the fourth morning. It hasn’t rained nearly as much as it did in the lead-up to that Test but the seamers will still fancy their chances.Stats and trivia The last time these two teams played a three-Test series was in Sri Lanka in 1998 , when the hosts won 2-1 after losing the first Test. It has been 25 years since New Zealand last won a Test series in Sri Lanka, but they did manage to draw both games when they toured under Stephen Fleming in 2003.In five Tests in Sri Lanka, Vettori has taken 20 wickets at 23.30.Murali has played six Tests against New Zealand at home, taking 39 wickets at 21.79.New Zealand’s only Test in Galle was an innings and 16-run defeat in 1998. Taylor has scored half-centuries in each of his three innings on the tour so far, and averages 75.33.Quotes”It will be a learning curve for a number of our players as it will be against Murali as well. For some of the guys this is the first time they will be seeing Murali.”
“There are a lot of areas we have to work on to become a consistently winning side. We have to take the defeats on the chin and move on by learning from the mistakes we made.”
“This is a chance for me to push my claims to play more for New Zealand; play more Tests, more one-dayers and maybe get back in the Twenty20 side.”

Many Everton fans have been left flocking to some news on Yerry Mina and his current contract situation at Goodison Park.

Writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, Patrick Boyland has now confirmed that the Colombia international is yet to sign a new deal at the Merseyside club, as his current one expires at the end of the season.

The journalist claims that there is a decision now to be made on his future, as he becomes more important to the team’s hopes.

Given that Rafa Benitez’s side conceded from another corner at the weekend against West Ham United, attention immediately drew to the absence of Mina, who at six-foot-five-inches tall certainly helps them aerially in both boxes.

He is also reliable with the ball at his feet, as he has averaged a higher pass success (76.4%) in the Premier League so far this season compared to Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate and Michael Keane (Whoscored).

Everton fans on Mina news

These Toffees supporters flocked to the news as it was shared on Twitter:

“He’s easily our best defender by a long stretch, its a no brainer, get him signed up”

Credit: @Blueboymike1983

“No decision needed he’s 27 and our best defender. 4-year deal don’t lose him”

Credit: @cjohno1001

“We simply have to give him a new contract, he’s our best centre-back by far”

Credit: @_luke1878_

“I don’t understand what the decision is that has to be made. He’s comfortably our best centre-half. The decision is easy”

Credit: @rogerefc

“He’s becoming one of the first names on the team sheet, so it’s vital we sign him to a new contract”

Credit: @RyanOHanlon1

“No brainer for me. Sign him up.”

Credit: @datgregmc83

In other news, find out what injury news has been bemoaned by Blues here!

After convincingly beating Watford 5-0 in their previous Premier League outing followed by a 3-2 Champions League win away at Atletico Madrid in midweek, Liverpool have a big game on their hands with Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, who are currently four points behind the Reds in the league table.

Jota should start

In terms of who Reds manager Jurgen Klopp could include in his starting XI this afternoon, we feel that Diogo Jota should definitely be in it.

Liverpool signed the Portugal forward in September 2020 from fellow Premier League club Wolves in a deal worth a reported £41m.

In his debut season with the Merseyside club, the 24-year-old – who is currently valued at £40.5m by Transfermarkt – netted 13 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions.

So far this season, Jota – who has previously been described as a “monster” by Liverpool’s assistant manager Pep Lijnders – has scored three goals in seven Premier League appearances.

Furthermore, he has averaged 2.6 shots and 1.6 key passes per game, showing how much of an attacking threat he has been for the Reds in the Premier League. That illustrates how he could be a terrifying prospect for United’s defenders to face on Sunday.

Even though he didn’t start in midweek against Atletico, Jota came on as a second half substitute, replacing Sadio Mane just after the hour mark. He managed to win Liverpool’s penalty, won three out of his five duels and ultimately earned himself an overall match rating of 7/10, higher than most Liverpool players who started the match according to SofaScore.

In terms of who he could replace in the starting XI tody, we feel that Jota could slot in the team ahead of Roberto Firmino, who failed to impress against Atletico as he didn’t register even one shot on target.

Whether or not Klopp chooses to start Jota, the Reds will definitely be aiming to secure all three points to keep them towards the top of the league table, especially considering how Chelsea recorded a resounding 7-0 win over Norwich City yesterday.

In other news: Signed for nothing, now worth £7.2m: Klopp has struck gold on “unbelievable” LFC beast

Cricinfo staff02-Sep-2009Somerset’s captain Justin Langer has been reprimanded by the England & Wales Cricket Board after showing dissent during last week’s County Championship clash with Hampshire.Langer was reported to the ECB by the match officials, Mark Benson and Nick Cook, after reacting to an lbw decision given against him.The Level One code breach was upheld by the ECB, and the reprimand will remain on his record for two years.

In terms of those who can play in the central-midfield position, Southampton have a number of options including James Ward-Prowse, Oriol Romeu, Ibrahima Diallo, Will Smallbone and Stuart Armstrong in their senior squad.

However, the club has another young midfield player in their youth ranks that has every chance of breaking into the first-team set-up at some point in the near future and thus, could end up following the same path that Ward-Prowse has done after working his way through the youth system and making regular appearances at St Mary’s.

19-year-old midfielder Caleb Watts joined Southampton’s U18 side from Queens Park Rangers back in the 2018 summer transfer window for an undisclosed fee.

Since then, Watts, who is currently valued at £225k according to Transfermarkt, has made 26 appearances for Southampton’s U18 side, scoring one goal and providing two assists in the process.

Watts has also made 30 appearances for Southampton’s B team where he has managed to score two goals and provide two assists in the process.

Dubbed as “exceptional” by Australia’s National Technical Director Trevor Morgan, Watts has also made four senior appearances for Southampton, the first of which coming in their 2-0 FA Cup win over League One side Shrewsbury Town back in January.

As well as that, Watts also made three appearances for Southampton in the Premier League, coming on as a substitute against the likes of Arsenal, Everton and Manchester City.

So far this season, Watts has not been involved in any senior Southampton game but has made six appearances for their B team, bagging one goal and providing a solitary assist whilst swapping between playing as an attacking-midfielder and right-winger, showing his versatility at such a young age. That trait is directly comparable with Ward-Prowse.

Moving forward, even though he hasn’t had any involvement with the senior team as of yet this term, there’s still time for Hasenhuttl to add him to the squad to see if he is any closer to becoming a regular figure for the Saints.

Also, with the attacking prowess he’s shown so far this season, he could well be a good addition in the team next to Ward-Prowse who has proved himself to be a consistent goalscorer and assist provider during his time in the senior side.

In other news: Ralph must unleash “creative” £50k-p/w Saints star, he could cause Chelsea problems – opinion