Southampton vs Sunderland team news: Saints prodigy Sam McQueen starts in EFL Cup as does record buy Sofiane Boufal
Sunderland's own record signing Didier N'Dong plays for Sunderland as does Victor Anichebe fresh from Twitter gaffe
SOUTHAMPTON prodigy Sam McQueen starts in EFL Cup after a whirlwind few days, as does record buy Sofiane Boufal.
Sunderland's own record signing Didier N'Dong plays for Sunderland as does Victor Anichebe fresh from Twitter gaffe for the EFL Cup tie at St Mary's.
And he is hoping to make it even better with EFL Cup success over Sunderland on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old defender was handed his first-ever Saints appearance when came off the bench in the recent victory over Burnley to replace the injured Matt Targett and duly won a penalty.
Keep up to date with ALL the Southampton news, gossip, transfers and goals on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary by clicking HERE
However, the dust was not allowed to settle on that as the left-back would soon be packing his bags and heading off to the San Siro.
No, Inter Milan had not made a move for the ace, but they were about to get up close and personal with McQueen.
related stories
Claude Puel handed a full debut to the prodigy in last week’s Europa League clash against the Serie A giants before keeping him in the side for Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Manchester City in the Premier League.
Now, finally, McQueen has had chance to reflect on a remarkable first week of senior action – although he is still struggling to comprehend it.
"I can't put it into words," he said.
"I haven't thought about it myself - I think if I did, and actually pinched myself and thought about it, then I'd probably come crashing down to earth, so I don't want to.
"I just want to keep enjoying it and just let it roll on.";
McQueen, whose only other taste of first-team football came on-loan at Southend in League One, was without doubt thrown in at the deep end due to the Targett’s injury.
And he says the whole experience has benefitted his development massively.
He told : "I've learned a lot. You have to learn fast in these conditions, against such good players out there – they're world-class players, and you notice it in the game, how quick they think, and the way that they move and play football is quite amazing.
“But you learn quickly, and Southampton has been amazing with coaching me and teaching me through the years, and recently becoming a left-back, with the manager giving me little coaching points here and there, which have been fantastic.
“So I've been learning a lot and enjoying it a lot, but there's plenty, plenty more to learn – I know that.”
Now he has the taste for it, naturally McQueen is desperate for more action.
And McQueen is desperate for that next chance to come on Wednesday, when Saints host Sunderland in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
“I just want to play more and more. Hopefully I can get myself another opportunity, if the manager wants, needs me, or thinks I'm ready.
“So I just want to take every opportunity that I'm going to be given and be ready for whenever I get the next chance again.”