James Bree makes his ambitions clear as he hopes to take on an important starter role next season.
Post the recent Man City draw, Southampton's season feels practically done and dusted. Now, even if the campaign were to abruptly end today, the Saints fans will be the least bothered, being certain of the club's future in the Championship ahead.
That being said, Southampton has a crucial opportunity to make the best of the remaining matchdays as an extended preseason.
Admit it or not, the worst team tag fears had restricted the Saints' preparations ahead of a major overhaul soon. But now, the club and interim boss Simon Rusk have a final objective left to test out the fringe club players, who have struggled for game-time this season.
Maybe, among those set to stay, there are a few names who are more than determined to make it to the lineup next season?
Now, not sure of others, but one name that checks all these criteria is of Saints defender James Bree.
Bree makes his starter ambitions clear ahead of promotion challenge
Ask passionate Saints supporters, and they will tell of the harsh season Bree has had. From a benchwarmer under Russell Martin to a makeshift in Juric's era, and now an inconsistent starter, serving out of position again, Bree's campaign has been a rollercoaster ride.
Still, that doesn't stop the 27-year-old, who aims to be an integral Saints starter in next season's Championship challenge.
Recently, as quoted by the Daily Echo, Bree opened on his ambitions for a regular full-back role, saying: "So, yes, if the chance is there for me next season, hopefully I can take it and make the position mine, but we'll just see what happens."
Honestly, in limited opportunities, Bree has been erroneous too, but his determination can see him rising to a central figure in the Saints' defence next season. Particularly, when most of the current veterans, Kyle Walker-Peters, Jack Stephens and probably Bednarek too, can leave this summer.
Appreciably, Southampton saw many redemptions this season, like Paul Onuachu. Maybe the next campaign is preparing for a Bree uprise?