Matt Targett is aiming to force his way back into Claude Puel’s plans as he prepares to return from injury.

Saints boss Puel has some serious thinking to do with regards to the left back position in the coming months as he starts to assess his squad ahead of next season.

Targett, who was first choice back-up to Ryan Bertrand, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since October.

The England under-21 international underwent surgery on the problem in December, and has been out ever since.

During his time away Sam McQueen has blossomed into an unexpected gem for Puel and is trusted by his manager to deputise for Bertrand.

With European fixtures not on the agenda for next season, there is an argument that Saints will not require three left backs.

Though both McQueen and Targett can play in more advanced positions, there would certainly be other players ahead of them in the pecking order for those roles.

Bertrand is being linked with a number of big clubs, but Saints will fight to hold onto one of their biggest talents.

That would leave both McQueen and Targett battling for the scraps.

Targett is closing in on a return to full training, and will hope to get some game time in the under-23s before the end of the season.

It remains a possibility that he could get into first team contention before the campaign ends, but that assumes he not only continues a smooth rehabilitation, but is also given a chance ahead of both Bertrand and McQueen.

To contemplate either McQueen or Targett dropping down to third choice will be an uncomfortable thought for Saints, who are proud of having brought two local lads through their system up to first team level.

Targett was born in Eastleigh and joined the Saints academy at the age of eight, while Southampton born McQueen was also recruited aged eight.

McQueen probably felt that his time was never going to come at Saints.

The 22-year-old was used primarily as an attacking left sided player as he came through the ranks but didn’t seriously threaten the first team, instead having a loan spell at Southend.

Targett, who is a year younger, found the step up to first team duties somewhat smoother and has played 39 times since making his debut in 2014, including as a wing-back under Ronald Koeman.