HARRISON Reed has been backed to impress Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl this summer.

Tony Mowbray, who managed Reed at Blackburn Rovers for the majority of this season, reckons it makes sense for the 24-year-old to force his way into the Austrian’s plans.

The Saints academy graduate joined Rovers on a season-long loan last summer but returned to Staplewood earlier this month with an ankle injury.

Mowbray said: “He’s got a new manager that he hasn’t worked with yet who seems to be giving youngsters an opportunity.

“Josh Sims has broken into the team, a very similar age, stature and type of footballer to Harrison.

“Why wouldn’t you at a Premier League club want to go through pre-season and see whether the new manager likes you, what you bring to the game?

“He just wants to go away, get fit, enjoy his summer, start pre-season with Southampton and see where it takes him.”

Reed played 36 times for Blackburn during his spell at Ewood Park, scoring three times.

His return to Saints is the second time a loanee has made the trip back to Staplewood due to a season-ending injury.

Sam McQueen, who was on loan at play-off chasing Middlesbrough, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in just his third start for the club back in October.

Josh Sims was sent back from Reading in January but has since been able to force his way into Hasenhuttl's plans.