JAMES Ward-Prowse insists that Saints’ academy players are not forgotten men, although accepts it is tougher than ever before for the club’s youngsters to breakthrough into the first-team.

Ward-Prowse, himself a product of the famed Staplewood Academy, has faith that the club’s home-grown talent is still in Ronald Koeman’s thoughts.

But the 21-year-old, who is battling to stay in contention himself, admits that with the quality of the squad so high, it is a huge challenge for any youngster to become established in the first-team.

“With the quality so high in the first team now than it’s probably ever been, it’s even more of a struggle for younger players because they have to be in and around that level,” he explained.

“But that’s part of football. It is not going to be easy to break into a men’s senior first team. So the challenge is there, but having known the youth team they are all good lads.

“They will all be relishing that challenge.”

Koeman has blooded the likes of Jake Hesketh and Harrison Reed from the academy in his time at St Mary's and Ward-Prowse believes the Dutchman hasn’t forgotten the young players, despite not giving them an opportunity so far this term.

“I think they are [in Koeman’s mind], yeah, the manager’s very keen and he showed it last year,” he said.

“He wants to promote those younger players and I think it’s just a case of the youngsters taking their chances when and if they get their chance.”

When asked if the young players were forgotten men, Ward-Prowse said: “Not at all.

“It’s a club that’s produced many, many young players and I don’t think the club will ever forget that and they’ll want to continue that for now and the future.”

Ward-Prowse made his debut as a 16-year-old in 2011 and experienced what it’s like to try and compete with established first-team players.

“It is very tough,” he said. “It’s tough to get into a men’s environment when you are so young, but that’s the joys of football.

“The club are very very good at making sure you’re integrated well and you feel confident going into training and matches.

“I’ve definitely had that experience.”

Ward-Prowse has made 14 appearances this season so far, but has been in and out of the side recently with Jordy Clasie preferred by Koeman.

“I don’t think any place is nailed down for anyone,” he said. “So it is a case of trying to perform well in training and making sure that you’re performing well and if you do that obviously you’ll get your shirt on a Saturday.”