Southampton: Five youngsters who could see game time this season

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GOLDACH, SWITZERLAND – JULY 15: Nathan Tella from FC Southampton in action during the pre-season friendly match between FC Southampton and St. Gallen at Sportanlage Kellen on July 15, 2017 in Goldach, Switzerland. (Photo by Simon Hausberger/Getty Images) /

After Michael Obafemi’s debut during Southampton’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, there will surely be more Saints youth prospects looking for game time this season.

The club’s ability to give young players a chance to step up to first-team level is something that is key to its values, and important to fans too.

Talents to have come through the famed Southampton academy include Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and these players will have been grateful to the club for giving them first-team opportunities so soon.

In recent times, loan deals to lower league clubs in England have been used to provide competitive football for current academy stars. This aids their development and helps to keep them progressing rather than being stuck at the club.

Here are five youth talents at the club who could see first-team appearances during the rest of this campaign: