Adkins proud of Oxlade-Chamberlain's development (From Daily Echo)

Adkins proud of Oxlade-Chamberlain's development

6:00am Saturday 15th September 2012 in Sport By Simon Peach

Nigel Adkins is proud of the way Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has developed since leaving Saints, but has promised to do everything he can to stop him and Arsenal today.

The 19-year-old graduated from the St Mary's academy and helped the club win automatic promotion from the third tier in his only full season there in the first team.

Oxlade-Chamberlain's performances saw him join Arsenal last summer and he could now face his former side at the Emirates Stadium.

Adkins is proud of the way the youngster has developed since leaving St Mary's.

He does, though, hope the winger has an off day this afternoon.

''I am very proud,'' Adkins said. ''I think everybody should be proud because he has come through our system.

''We said at the time we would have loved him to have stayed with us because this is where we wanted to be.

''We wanted Alex to be playing for us in the Premier League , but as a League One player he made the decision to then move.

''He has done fantastic there. I think if we can give them (players) the right principles in life and the right standards in how they conduct themselves, they can improve.

''It is always a joy to watch him play. You want him to do well for England, and for himself and his family at his football club.

''On Saturday, though, it is about us winning so we will do everything we can to get that win.

''We want that winning mentality but it is great to see that Alex is doing ever so well at this moment in time.

''As long as he keeps his feet on the ground, keeps working very, very hard on his game and does not take anything for granted, there is no reason why he can't go from strength to strength.''

Today's match at the Emirates Stadium caps a tough set of fixtures for Saints.

After a 3-2 defeat at champions Manchester City on the opening day, the south coast side lost to Wigan and then Manchester United at St Mary's to leave them pointless after three matches.

While that leaves them bottom of the standings, Adkins insists the group remain upbeat and confident of springing a surprise in north London.

''The three games we have played already has given everybody a lot of confidence and belief,'' he said.

''On paper we probably weren't expected to get anything Man City, Man United or Arsenal.

''We've got a crack at Arsenal, who have not conceded a goal yet. The law of averages suggests the next game they have got a chance of conceding a goal.

''They are a top, top side. Arsene Wenger has done a magnificent job over the years at Arsenal.

''They've not won a trophy for the last couple of years, but they have won the Barclays Premier League, they have got to European Cup finals, they have built a brand new stadium. It is all about finance in football now and they have got some fantastic players.

''From our point of view at Southampton, it is wonderful that we can go to the Emirates and compete against them in the Barclays Premier League.''

New singings Gaston Ramirez and Maya Yoshida could be involved, while fellow new boy Emmanuel Mayuka will also be pushing for a starting role after his substitute appearance against Manchester United.

Danny Fox is in contention after overcoming a groin injury that ruled him of international duty with Scotland, but Guly do Prado may be dropped after this week admitting drink-driving.