Southampton loanee keen to get back to action following costly injury

Young Southampton defender Jake Vokins has spoken about how he is keen to get back to playing after a long injury lay-off at Ross County.

The 21-year-old is on loan with Ross County for the 2021/22 season but his progress was halted by a stress fracture after just two games back in July. Now though, he seems ready to get back into the action after spending his time recovering back with Saints.

Speaking to the Ross-shire journal, Vokins said:

"“It’s always bad getting injured, but especially right before the start of the league season – I was raring to go and looking forward to playing. Everything happens for a reason, and it was disappointing, but I’m back now and I’m raring to go.”"

Southampton youngster Vokins has chance to stake claim for next season

Jake Vokins could have played much more football this season had he not picked up an unfortunate injury that took four months to recover from.

He has first-team experience with Southampton having been handed his senior debut by Ralph Hasenhuttl but a loan spell is really what he and many other young players need to take that next stride towards their full potential.

Good game time between now and May could give Vokins a real chance to improve his chances back with his parent club in 2022/23.

Southampton have one recognised left-back in their first-team group right now after signing Romain Perraud back in the summer transfer window, whilst Kyle Walker-Peters has filled in impressively on that position too despite being a right-back.

If the plan is to have two regular players in their positions for next season then Vokins is the key candidate to step up and be the competition on the left side of the defence.

He could also be an example to any other academy graduates who are looking to make the transition to first-team level in the near future. The lack of academy talent breaking through into the senior group has been highlighted and will need to improve if Southampton are to retain their reputation as the club with the best academy production line around.