Here are some of the latest stories regarding SAFC, as many fans prepare for the long long trip to Wales tomorrow to watch the Lads face Swansea City...
STEWART HAUNTS US
Ross Stewart hasn't played a minute for Southampton's senior team, but he's already came back to score against his former club as every striker does. This morning, Stewart started up front for the Saints' academy side against Sunderland's youngsters as he steps up his injury recovery. He played 45 minutes but it only took him seven to find the net against the Black Cats' academy side, which featured Nectarios Triantis and Jewison Bennette. Fortunately, the goal (which everyone saw coming) didn'y end up too costly, as our young lads pulled it back through Harry Gardiner and Ellis Taylor to earn the three points in the second half. Speaking on the striker's recovery, Russell Martin told the Daily Echo: “He’s really close. If it’s not next week, hopefully, it will be the West Brom game.”
INJURY CRAIC
In his pre-Swansea presser, Tony Mowbray has reported that there are no fresh injury concerns. Both Eliezer Mayenda and Adil Auchiche are said to have continued their recoveries and will travel to Wales with the squad. Aji Alese has stepped up his rehab programme but remains a few weeks away from first-team action whilst Corry Evans, Jay Matete and Timothee Pembele remain out with long-term injuries.
Mowbray said: “I think the injury list for the last few months has been pretty much the same. I think we have six first-team players unavailable due to long-term injuries. We have added Eliezer Mayenda to the group, but he has only played one 90-minute game against Hibs in a bounce match on the training ground.
“There are a few lads who have travelled to Southampton (U21 fixture) today, but Mayenda is coming with us to Swansea. Sitting on a coach for five or six hours wasn't going to be much good so he's going to come with us and we are going to try and get him more integrated in the group.
“The squad's pretty much the same as it's been.”
RIGG CALLED UP
Finally, Chris Rigg has been called up to England's upcoming Under-17 World Cup squad in Indonesia. The Young Lions will face Brazil, Iran and New Caledonia in Group C.
England’s campaign begins on Saturday 11 November against New Caledonia at Jakarta International Stadium before they take on Iran on Tuesday 14 November at the same venue. Their group fixtures then conclude on Friday 17 November against Brazil, with the game once again being played in Jakarta.
Therefore Rigg will be unavailable for selection at Sunderland, with the U17 World Cup Final being played on Saturday 2 December.
Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said: “We’re all delighted with Chris’ development and there is a shared sense of pride throughout the Club that he’s been selected to represent England at such a prestigious tournament. It’s a mark of his progression that we had to discuss the implications that his absence would have on our squad, but both Tony and I felt this was a vital and unique experience for Chris and we’re looking forward to supporting him from afar.”
