Saints’ next generation will be looking to show Mauricio Pellegrino they have what it takes to step up to first team level as they compete against Football League opposition.

The club’s under-23s open their Checkatrade Trophy campaign at League One Peterborough tonight.

They will face another League One team in the shape of Northampton and League Two Cambridge over the course of the group stages of the competition.

Though the format has been tinkered with this season, the objective for Saints is still the same – to give their youngsters a learning experience.

There has been a feeling in football that the academy set-up leaves young players cosseted, only playing against each other rather getting the kind of raw experience they require to continue their professional journeys.

The Checkatrade Trophy matches are meant to help with that, and offer clubs the opportunity to get their players game time against season professionals rather than the only alternative to the under-23 set-up being a loan spell.

Saints have this season balanced the two, with a few youngsters heading out on a temporary basis, while the rest remain at base to learn.

Saints would like to progress in the competition having had a somewhat fallow period.

They were relegated from the top under-23s division, Premier League 1, last season.

They have started this campaign with a win and two defeats.

Amongst those hoping to impress is creative midfielder Callum Slattery, who helped England to win the under-20 Toulon Tournament.

The club’s newly signed 22-year-old keeper Jack Rose is also expected to play tonight, along with the likes of Will Wood, Armani Little and Tyreke Johnson, who spent a brief spell with Pellegrino’s squad in pre-season.

The competition is something Saints relish, and looks to have a healthy future – despite dwindling attendances last season - after a number of other Premier League clubs entered this year after declining their invite last time out.

EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said: “The history of the EFL Trophy is one of new ideas and innovation, but at its heart has always been the belief that this is an opportunity for League One and League Two clubs to taste cup success.

“I am therefore delighted to see the backing the Checkatrade Trophy has received from our clubs for the next two seasons, following a full and comprehensive review of the pilot format.

“We wanted to ensure that League One and League Two Clubs had the opportunity to make the key decisions regarding where we take the competition in 2017/18 and beyond and I believe we have reached a revised format that benefits all parties.

“EFL clubs will have greater flexibility with regard to team selection, while still maintaining the principle that this is a first-team competition for our clubs that will support the development and progression of young players. The competition will also provide significant financial rewards for all EFL clubs, which increases with success.”