SAINTS defender Martin Cranie has admitted he might have to leave the club in the summer.

The 20-year-old defender's contract at St Mary's is up at the end of this season.

And he knows quitting Saints is one option - after only figuring in two senior matches this season, both as a sub, against Coventry and Torquay.

Cranie is currently enjoying his second loan spell of the season with hometown club Yeovil Town, a period which will end on April 10.

"I have a contract there (at Saints) until the end of the season," he said.

"I am keeping my options open because at the moment I am not getting the chances at Southampton.

"I would like to break into the first team but if not I will have to look elsewhere to get my football."

Cranie has been playing at right-back for the Glovers, who remarkably could be playing Saints in the Championship next season after only two seasons in League One and only four as a Football League club.

"I have five more games at the club and I want to do everything I can to try to get them up," said the player who made his Saints debut as a 17-year-old under Paul Sturrock at Chelsea in May 2004.