Southampton Coach Hints At Squad Involvement For Super Eagles Target Against Fulham

Southampton coach Ralph Hasenhuttl has strongly suggested that Nathan Tella is in contention to make his fifth Premier League appearance of the season in the Boxing Day clash with Fulham.

The Saints are facing an injury crisis at the moment with Danny Ings, Jannik Vestergaard and Nathan Redmond doubtful for the trip to the English capital, while Oriol Romeu is unavailable due to suspension.

Tella is a candidate to replace the injured Ings just as was the case during the 1-0 loss to Manchester City last weekend.

Hasenhuttl hinted at the likes of Tella getting more game time and the young winger needs to stand up and be counted.

"We have now the chance to give them time to play and if it is like this, then they must show that they are good enough for the Premier League and they have learned quick enough," Hasenhuttl was quoted as saying by HampshireLive.

"This is the moment where they are waiting for for a long time and I think this is the chance then to get this opportunity and then you must be there, and this is what we expect from them."

Tella's progress with Southampton this season is being monitored by manager Gernot Rohr's chief scout in England, Tunde Adelakun with a view to a potential call-up to the Super Eagles.

Igho Kingsley