HARRISON Reed has revealed that playing for too long for Saints’ under-23s “halted” his career somewhat.

Now the Staplewood academy graduate is tasting regular football with Norwich in the Championship on loan, he doesn’t want to go back to taking a backseat at St Mary’s, where he was a mainstay in the academy teams but was a peripheral figure in the first-team.

“I don’t feel like I want to go back to sitting in the stands, training all week and then on a Saturday not being involved,” he told the Eastern Daily Press.

“That’s not something I want to do and I think if you asked many footballers, they would agree.

“So next season I’ll look to progress again, whether that be here or we’ll see what other opportunities arise.

“Definitely it’s opened my eyes. Being at Southampton and a Premier League club is great. But playing in the under-23s and not really coming up against men maybe halted my career a little bit.

“Some coming to Norwich and playing week in week out, getting the game time I have done has really opened my eyes and I feel like I’ve progressed.”

The 23-year-old moved to Carrow Road for a season-long loan last summer, having made 30 first-team appearances across four seasons at Saints.

The Worthing-born man played mainly in domestic cup games for Saints and was always considered one for the future but never made that breakthrough.

Reed signed a long-term contract at St Mary’s in December 2016, extending his stay on the south coast until 2021.

However, after going out on loan for the first time, Reed’s perspective has changed and will be considering his options.

“I haven’t really sat down and thought about my future but there will come a time in the season where I will sit down with my agent, my family, and see what opportunities arise,” he said.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here. From the first day I walked through the door the boys have been brilliant and I’ve really enjoyed being in the city.

“Coming away this season, playing regular football and when it comes to 3pm Saturday being in the starting XI and walking out in front of a packed crowd, that’s something I want to continue."