Southampton's answer to their striker problem is closer than Tonda Eckert thinks

Southampton drew another uncharacteristic blank against a relegation-threatened team in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.

Last month, the Saints had to frustratingly stomach a 0-0 draw against Bolton Wanderers, but at least on that occasion, they managed to grab a share of the points.

This weekend just gone, they would leave Preston North End empty-handed, as the Lilywhites won only their second league match of the season, after Jordan Thompson thumped home the winner during the first half.

Tonda Eckert's side have scored a whopping 29 goals in league action this campaign, but amazingly, couldn't score a single goal against the Trotters, or the division's basement side.

The main issue in recent weeks has been whoever is leading the line for the South Coast giants, with Cyle Larin out injured, as Lewis Dobbin continues to blow hot-and-cold, alongside an equally unconvincing Divin Mubama.

Saints' striker problems

Dobbin failed to hit a single shot at Lee Nicholls' goal during his forgettable 80 minute runout at Deepdale.

The £9m summer signing has broken his duck, as he scored the decisive third strike during the Saints' electric 3-2 win at West Ham United.

But, he needs to offer a lot more to live up to that price-tag, with Dobbin guilty of missing chances, as well, during that aforementioned stalemate versus Bolton.

Mubama did at least try and catch Nicholls out, as he registered a single shot from his ten minute cameo in place of the ex-Aston Villa forward, but he still leaves a lot to be desired.

Indeed, during the 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion, Mubama fell victim to an anonymous showing like Dobbin put in at Deepdale, with Eckert and Co. potentially grabbing a win at the Hawthorns, if they had a more confident, imposing striker leading from the front.

Thankfully, Larin has been confirmed as being ready to play against Derby County after the break, as the seven-goal hero makes his long-awaited return.

But, these striker problems won't go away, even with the Brampton Bagsman battling back to be fit, as Eckert won't feel at ease with his back-up options.

The promotion hopefuls could look to the January transfer window to add some reinforcements up top, but the solution to their striker woes could be right under Eckert's nose...

The solution is closer than Eckert thinks

Southampton, over the years, have become known as a club who is unafraid to play youngsters in the first team frame, if they're deemed ready.

Tyler Dibling would win himself a multi million pound move to Everton off the back of this fearless approach, while Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale immediately spring to mind here, too, when looking further back in the history books.

Taking a leaf out of this book could see the Saints finally gift Princewill Ehibhatiomhan some concrete first-team chances, as opposed to just naming him on the bench, as he's definitely in a richer vain of goalscoring right now for the U21s, than the misfiring Dobbin and Mubama.

The 21-year-old poacher is now up to an insane 17 goals for the U21s from only 11 appearances this season, with a red-hot brace falling into his lap for Adam Lallana's youthful side last time out against Norwich City, as Lallana and Co. beat the Canaries in a convincing 5-2 victory.

Ehibhatiomhan is crying out for a chance to prove himself in the senior side, with his unbelievable form for the U21s now hard to dismiss.

Larin would be a great tutor for the 6-foot-3 attacker to bounce off of, as well, with Eckert surely ready to gamble on Ehibhatiomhan coming good, as opposed to sticking with the stale options currently at his disposal.

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