FRASER Forster has been backed by Radhi Jaidi to play in the Premier League again.

The Saints goalkeeper has featured twice for the under-23s since January and could make his return to the first team today after almost 500 days in the wilderness.

Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed that he is open to making changes to his line-up for the trip to West Ham after his side secured their Premier League status.

Jaidi, who is the U23s boss, said: “I don’t really know about Fraser’s situation.

“The only thing I know is that Fraser is not Under-23s.

“He can play in any Premier League club at the moment.”

Hasenhuttl revealed earlier in the season that if Forster wanted a taste of the action, then he would have to drop down to Jaidi’s side.

That led to the former England keeper playing against both Reading and Fulham.

Forster then found himself back in the first team squad for the trip to Newcastle last month after Alex McCarthy sustained a season-ending injury.

The 31-year-old hasn’t featured for Saints since the Boxing Day thrashing to Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley back in 2017.

Despite this, Jaidi paid tribute to Forster’s work ethic when he dropped down to play with his youngsters.

“Most of the first team players by chance, or a lack of chance, have come down to the Under-23s,” continued the former Saints defender.

“They have all behaved really well and have been really good for the boys. They are leaders and good references. Fraser Forster is one of the guys who sends a really good message to the young boys.

“His performance was correct and played on his level. I am really happy with his performances.”

Forster still has three years remaining on his Saints contract, having signed a five-year extension back in 2017.

But with the south coast club signing Angus Gunn for £13.5m last summer, it pushed the keeper further down the pecking order.

Such was Forster’s fall from grace, he wasn’t even Saints’ third choice shot-stopper.

Harry Lewis has been travelling with the squad home and away in case of a goalkeeping emergency.

Jaidi added: “I know his situation is difficult and that’s a credit to Fraser that he takes a difficult situation and shows a good performance, good manners and good behaviours. I wish him really good luck and hopefully, he can regain his level, whether here or somewhere else, but I hope he can.”