Southampton: Can youth expect more game-time under Hughes?

Southampton’s youth academy has been a source of fantastic talent for the club over many years and generated a lot of income via player sales.

In recent seasons though, the number of youngsters making their mark on the first-team has been fairly limited. So, is this likely to change under current Southampton boss Mark Hughes?

Since moving into Premier League management in 2004, the Welshman hasn’t been a massive user of the youth players available to him; understandable given the pressures upon top-flight bosses to deliver results.

However, if players impress him enough, they are likely to get a chance. It may seem obvious, but this is exactly what those on the fringes of the Saints squad need to do.

All six of Matt Targett, Sam Gallagher, Harrison Reed, Sam McQueen, Josh Sims and Jake Hesketh have traveled as part of the team to China, and they all have the opportunity to stake their claim for a decent role in 2018/19.

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They all saw 45 minutes of action in Saints’ 3-3 draw with Schalke on Thursday, with Reed and Hesketh even grabbing a goal each.

The dilemma they have is their need to play at their current ages. Ranging from 21-23-years-old, they will want to be playing but are clearly not sure of a place under Hughes.

The importance of first-team football to them at this stage of their career cannot be understated and Matt Targett saw the full effected of that at Fulham last season in their brilliant promotion charge.

Some have all been linked with moves away this summer but could also potentially force their way into the manager’s plans if they show enough in pre-season.

Hughes spoke about the problems faced by young players these days in an interview with skysports and said:

"I think all managers need to be able to trust players. If you’re a young player with an old head on your shoulders, and your understanding and decision making is good, then a manager is going to trust you and give you an opportunity.The pressure to win games, to get points on the board and climb the league because of prize money makes managers a little bit more reticent about giving young players chances.I think all managers need to be able to trust players. If you’re a young player with an old head on your shoulders, and your understanding and decision making is good, then a manager is going to trust you and give you an opportunity.The pressure to win games, to get points on the board and climb the league because of prize money makes managers a little bit more reticent about giving young players chances."

The club are also adding permanent, high-profile signings to add quality to the team and move away from another relegation battle in the Premier League in the upcoming campaign, which could push youngsters further down the pecking order.

There are some openings to be taken advantage of though. Reed played at Right Wing-Back in China on Thursday and did the same at times during his loan spell at Norwich City in 2017/18.

Since second-choice Right-Back Jeremy Pied left the club, Saints only have Cedric and Yan Valery in that position and Jordy Clasie could be leaving for Feyenoord soon. Reed can see this as an opportunity.

Striking options are also needed to add to Charlie Austin and Manolo Gabbiadini, and Sam Gallagher has scored goals regularly in the Championship to show his ability.

The young group can certainly give Hughes food for thought during the training camps in China and France. They will get games to impress in and should look at the situation positively in a bid to gain long-term roles in the squad.

It could also be that opportunities are slim again this campaign for the academy products and loans away are better for their development, but the door for them at Saints isn’t completely shut yet if they take advantage.