Southampton are rebuilding their squad after several high profile departures, but they are also trimming the squad and in some cases sending some out to gain experience, it seems that there will be at least one more departure from St Mary's on out on loan.

Dominic Ballard has been on the fringes of the Saints first team squad for the last year, but he is not getting enough game time, now according to The Daily Echo has revealed that former Southampton manager Ruben Selles is set to take him on loan to Reading.

Ballard has started well in the Premier League 2 Southampton side scoring back to back hat tricks, but there is the feeling that he needs to get a little more experience at a truly adult professional level, hence the loan to Reading.

Whether this loan is for the whole season or initially at least just the first half, is yet to be revealed, as has any recall options.

Clearly Russell Martin had decided that if his side are to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt, that it needs players who are experienced and proven at Championship level or above and that there is no leeway for breaking in youngsters, it would be better for both the players and the club, to go out on loan and toughen up and come back stronger.

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ElSanto added 23:13 - Aug 31 If he was only going to be getting the odd minute or two, then this is the right decision, especially being out of a cup already.
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underweststand added 05:11 - Sep 1 Although an obvious success with the U21 side, League 1 football is a "man's game " and this is a perfect opportunity to see if Ballard can really " cut it " at a higher level. Selles was not entirely to blame for Saints' relegation and he knows Ballard's capabilities first hand so this is a good move for them and if Dom can add some extra goals to their tally, then Reading may get back up to the Championship sooner than many think, and we will have a more seasoned striker back with us next season. A win-win deal.

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