Dyer back in favour at St Mary's
6:00am Tuesday 22nd July 2008
CONTRACT rebel Nathan Dyer has been welcomed back into first team training by Saints head coach Jan Poortvliet.
The Southampton boss had banished the 20-year-old wide player from the senior squad's sessions, after he refused to sign a new deal at the club.
Dyer's contract expired at the end of last month and, since then, he has been on a week-to-week deal at St Mary's.
However, he has reopened negotiations and was given his first taste of pre-season action in Saturday's 3-3 draw at Eastleigh, scoring Saints' opening goal.
After the game, academy director Mark Wotte said Dyer was "keen" to put pen to paper on a new contract.
With positive talks resuming, Poortvliet said he had decided to bring Dyer back into the first team fold.
Although he will not travel to Weymouth for tonight's friendly, he could be involved at Cheltenham on Saturday and Hereford next Tuesday.
"Nathan is on the way," said Poortvliet.
"He trained with us yesterday morning and today he will be here again.
"I want to have him in training today with the rest of the boys, because I think it is good for Nathan to be here now.
"I could let him play tonight, but at first I want to have him in training for a while.
"Saturday and next Tuesday will be more likely for Nathan."
Full story in today's Daily Echo