SAINTS youngster Tyreke Johnson has left the club on loan to join National League side Woking FC until January.

The move could come as a surprise after boss Ralph Hasenhuttl handed the 20-year-old his Premier League debut against Arsenal last December.

Johnson then went on to make another two appearances during the previous campaign before dropping back down to the Under-23s.

Speaking to Woking FC's official website, Johnson said: "I think [the move] is a step forward for me.

"I've experienced a lot of Under-23s football but, even in the Check-A-Trade, you begin to learn that men's football is very different.

"It will be really good for my development. It's good to get experience in men's football.

"I am a quick player, I'm direct and I like to get at defenders and create goals."

Johnson started his career as a youngster at Watford before leaving to join Swindon.

He then spent four years with the Wiltshire side where he developed his game as a winger.

From there, he was spotted by Saints who signed him as a youngster back in 2014.

Johnson signed his first professional contract at St Mary's a year later and continued his development with the U18s and U23s

Reflecting on his time with the U23s, he added: "We managed to get promotion to Premier League Division 1, so it was a very good season.

"I really enjoyed it."