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Matt Le Tissier picks five Southampton stars of the future after U21 Premier League Cup win

Southampton celebrate after winning the Under 21 Premier League Cup final against Blackburn
Image: Southampton celebrate winning the Under 21 Premier League Cup final against Blackburn

Former Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has paid tribute to the club's academy system after their U21 Premier League Cup triumph - and has picked out five names to keep a close eye on...

Sam Gallagher's sensational winning goal handed 10-man Saints a 2-1 win over Blackburn in extra-time at St Mary's on Monday night.

The south coast club have a history of generating talent with the likes of Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Luke Shaw all making the grade.

Le Tissier, who came through the youth ranks himself, says the future of the club is in good hands and believes young stars of the future will now want to come and play their football at Southampton rather than at the Premier League's big boys.

Le Tiss' Sky Bet tips
Le Tiss' Sky Bet tips

Find out what Le Tissier is predicting for this week's Champions League action here.

"What Southampton do better than any other clubs is give kids a chance and they are not frightened to play youth team players rather than go out and spend money," said Le Tissier.

"You know if you're a young player and impressing they you're going to get your chance and, in hand, that definitely helps in attracting young players.

"Kids will be looking at the situation at Southampton and choose them over Chelsea, who are the closest big side in the catchment area. I know I would if I was 15/16 again and had the option.

"Chances in the first team are going to be down to injuries and suspensions as Ronald Koeman has put together a really strong squad.

"We've made a lot of money out of our young players so it's important we get a trophy in the boardroom. It just goes to show the future of this football club is in very good hands."

We've made a lot of money out of our young players so it's important we get a trophy in the boardroom. It just goes to show the future of this football club is in very good hands.
Matthew Le Tissier

Le Tissier has picked out five players from Southampton's latest academy crop to keep a close eye on in the future ...

Sam Gallagher

Sam Gallagher of Southampton celebrates after scoring to make it 2-1 of during the Under 21 Premier League Cup Final
Image: Sam Gallagher of Southampton celebrates after scoring to make it 2-1 of during the Under 21 Premier League Cup Final

"From a physical point of view Sam is a little bit ahead of Ryan Seager in his development. He's got a lot of pace which will stand him in good stead for the Premier League. He's got a lot to learn still and an injury at the start of the season hampered him, but over the next couple of seasosn we'll see him really develop into a top player.

"It's not an area where we're overly blessed at the club, centre-forwards. If he works hard and has a good pre-season, we should see him in the first team pretty soon."

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A special goal from Sam Gallagher helped Southampton win the U21 Premier League Cup Final

Jake Hesketh

Jake Hesketh of Southampton with Bradley Bauress of Blackburn Rovers during the Under 21 Premier League Cup Final

"He reminds me of Adam Lallana in the way he plays. He's got good feet, moves with the ball really well, and is very, very natural. However, he's got a bit growing and strengthening to do and it won't be an instant thing for him to break through to senior level."

Matt Targett

Matt Targett warms up before the international friendly match between U21 Czech Republic and U21 England at Letna Stadium

"Matt is going to have to be patient with Ryan Bertrand having an excellent season but it puts us in good stead if a big club comes in and Ryan decides to move on.

"He's got a very good engine, really gets up and down the left, puts a great ball in and has formed a good partnership with Sam McQueen, as we saw on Monday night. He just needs to learn to get out of the way of crosses smashing him in the face! "

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Matt Targett scored a painful looking own goal during Southampton's U21 Premier League Cup Final with Blackburn

Sam McQueen

Sam McQueen of Southampton and Ryan Nyambe of Blackburn and challenge for possession

"He was very impressive on Monday night, especially early on, with his strong running with the ball. He’s got raw pace and a bit more power than the other guys, which you need to relieve pressure. He’s another one who has had his injury problems with back and groin issues this season but he is getting stronger."

Harrison Reed

Harrison Reed during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Ham

"He had a few chances just before Christmas and did very well. Certainly didn't let anybody down. He needs to find a new technique in his tackling though as there were two occasions last night when he went in with studs up. He's not the biggest so needs to bulk up but doesn't lack character and determination.

"He's got plenty of energy, breaks up play well and keeps it simple. However, he has to be patient, with Steven Davis ready to come in if Morgan Schneiderlin leaves. I don't think he ready to throw in for an entire season yet but just needs to keep taking his chances."

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