SAINTS teenager Oscar Gobern may be a relative unknown to many fans right now - but the Birmingham-born 17 year-old hopes that will soon change.

Gobern admits he might have to reassess - and raise - his targets for the forthcoming season following the summer arrival of Jan Poortvliet as head coach.

The talented left-footed midfielder could be one young player set to benefit from the Dutchman's willingness to give youth a chance this season.

Gobern, who last season turned out for the U18s and reserves, is one of the Saints youngsters who have been given their chance to shine in pre-season and he impressed in a left-wing role at Winchester City last weekend.

And, with head coach Poortvliet keen to see if any of his young players are ready to make the step-up to the first-team, Gobern is hoping to stake his claim.

"Before the manager came in we didn't know what was going on," Gobern said after the 5-0 friendly win at Winchester, in which he scored Saints' second goal.

"Nigel Pearson left and not everyone knew what was going on.

"My aim this season was to get back into the youth team and reserves and play regularly.

"But the manager has come in and said he wants to have a look at all the youth players and go from there.

"So if I perform well, hopefully the manager will give me a chance.

"His arrival has been a boost for all of us young players. It's up to us to go out on the pitch and show what we can do."

Full story: See today's Daily Echo.