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Southampton: This is Matt Targett’s time to shine

By Chris Hughes

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Matt Targett of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Southampton and Watford at St Mary's Stadium on August 13, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Matt Targett of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Southampton and Watford at St Mary's Stadium on August 13, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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With Ryan Bertrand a major doubt for the rest of the festive period, Southampton’s back-up left-back Matt Targett must now step up.

Bertrand had previously been ever-present in the league for the Saints but remains a major doubt for Southampton’s home tie against Huddersfield this weekend.

The supporters won’t have official confirmation until Mauricio Pellegrino’s press conference tomorrow, but having clearly identified a hamstring tweak, it’s not looking positive for the England international.

The game this weekend against the Terriers has been described as the ‘most important game of Pellegrino’s Southampton tenure’, with tough matches against Tottenham and Manchester United to come before the turn of the year.

Cedric Soares has already confirmed that he will be absent for a couple of weeks meaning it’s fair to say the Saints are suffering a small injury crisis, with each full-back being vital to the side’s attacking play.

Related Story: Saints 0-1 Chelsea: Match recap

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Victor Moses of Chelsea and Ryan Bertrand of Southampton battle for posession during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on December 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Victor Moses of Chelsea and Ryan Bertrand of Southampton battle for posession during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on December 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

In Bertrand’s absence, it seems most likely that Matt Targett will deputise, having returned to full fitness after multiple injury lay-offs.

The Saints are almost certainly going to set up with four defenders rather than five against Huddersfield, with Pellegrino knowing the importance of getting a result. This is mentioned because when the Saints played with five defenders against Wolves in the Carabao Cup, they used the more-attacking Sam McQueen down the left.

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Targett is a lot better defensively than the 22-year-old McQueen, meaning it makes the most sense for Pellegrino to give the left-back his first appearance of the season.

In Bertrand’s place, Targett will need to step up and prove himself. The Eastleigh-born lad is 22 and in the modern era of football, time could be running out for him to make his mark on the first team.

The youngster has shown signs of promise when given his chance in Bertrand’s absence but there is no better time for him to show his potential. Southampton fans have made it clear that Bertrand has looked uninterested this campaign and if a club were to come in with a substantial bid, he could move on.

If Targett can prove himself worthy of a first-team spot, he could replace Bertrand in the long run. Proving now to Pellegrino that he is worthy of that spot.