As Ivan Juric puts the balls into the bag for the draw for the first team starting XI on Wednesday evening, he could surely do worse than throw in an extra ball and give a debut to a recent under the radar arrival.
The player in question is 20 year old Victor Udoh, who recently joined from Belgium Jupilo League side Royal Antwerp on a 3 1/2 year contract.
Although Udoh had forced his way into the Antwerp squad after joining them in March 2023, amassing 19 appearances and an assist in the Jupilo League in his 1 1/2 seasons at the club, plus another 5 in the Championship play offs, he seemingly felt he would be better off at Southampton.
He joined and was immediately taken into the U21 side and he has hit the ground running scoring twice against Sunderland and so far has impressed in his 3 starts and one sub appearance for the U21's.
In a recent interview he spoke about how he wants to fire the U21's to a play off spot in Premier League 2, but it could be that he could get a chance in the first team.
A versatile player, he can play either as a winger or central striker, it might just work to throw someone into our jaded side who has the spirit and enthusiasm lacking and might just play without fear.