6:00am Friday 14th November 2008
MORGAN Schneiderlin believes Saints’ young squad does have the potential to reach the Premier League – but has warned it will take time, writes ADAM LEITCH.
The impressive 19-year-old midfielder admits he, like many of his teammates, are just starting to find their feet in the Championship.
It has been an up and down start to the campaign for Saints, as was largely expected with so many untried players in the side.
Schneiderlin is confident in the quality of the squad but has confessed the team needs to get a midtable finish under their belt this season with a core of players having gained a season’s experience to have a real tilt at promotion next time out.
He said: “I think we can do a lot more.
“In the second half against Preston, we showed everyone we can turn back from 2-0 down, and we were unlucky at the start of the season, when we played well but did not score.
“We need the fans to be patient.
“We have young players who will be experienced for next season.
“If we can keep these young players together after two seasons we can be going up.
“It won’t be this year, as we must play, work, get to know everyone and the Championship.
“It’s not easy but, if we can keep the young players, I think we can go up next season or the one after.
“The fans must be very patient but I know it’s difficult for them to come to the stadium to watch a team that loses sometimes.
“If we can get ourselves in a mid-table position this season, we will have more confidence.”
Schneiderlin, a summer signing from Strasbourg, has been one of the highlights of the season for Saints so far.
He’s back from injury for tomorrow’s visit of Wolves and is relishing the chance to play again.
“I have trained and I feel good,” he said.
“I was unlucky last week because three days before the game I had a dead leg and missed the game against Bristol but every player has this sort of thing.
“I am very happy to be back for tomorrow and want just one thing – the three points.
“It will be a very tough game but we must treat it like every other game.
“They are the leaders of the Championship but we must play like we now we can.
“Wolves are a good team but we are too.”
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