EX-SAINTS goalkeeper Tommy Scott must have related to the news that his former club had brought in Willy Caballero as emergency goalkeeper cover – as the young shotstopper has been drafted in by two clubs this season to help out after injuries.

Released in the summer after two years at St Mary’s, Scott gave a little insight into being a goalkeeper stepping into the breach to solve an injury crisis.

Scott told the Daily Echo: “I think it’s hard – it’s a challenge. Definitely a challenge, but one I’d like to say I can rise to.

“I’ve come in at Hamworthy at the start of the season as cover, I played well and come in now for Childsy [Mark Childs at Poole.] It’s great to see him come back to fitness.

“It’s something that will push me, and hopefully push [Childs] to be at his best. At the end of the day it is down to the gaffer to decide who he wants in, but as I say it’s a challenge – and one I like, and one I rise to.”

Scott started the season as cover for ex-AFC Totton goalkeeper Shane Murphy at Hamworthy United in the Wessex Premier League, before being drafted in two levels higher to cover for Mark Childs at Southern Premier League South Poole Town.

That spell at Hamworthy marked somewhat of a full-circle in the 21-year-old’s career, with Scott getting his first taste of senior football at the age of 16 with the Hammers.

There he was spotted by Yeovil Town – then of the Football League, but despite being named on the bench, he was released at 18.

Anticipating a return to non-league after his departure from the Somerset club, Scott was surprised to see his rapid rise continue – when Saints offered him a two-year deal.

“It was a bit surreal, playing at 16 for Hamworthy,” explained Scott.

“If you told me then I’d play a season of men’s football, I’d have bitten your hand off. I then went to Yeovil as a scholar. To be involved with the first team numerous times, and then being released, I thought I was destined for Wessex Prem again, but I was picked up by a Premier League outfit.

“I was involved in matchday squads at Southampton as well – not listed in the squad, but I can say that I have lived my dream as a child – to be involved with a Premier League side.

“I’ve gone up quickly, but not necessarily down – I wouldn’t say it’s a step down, because it is still a competitive level, a high level of football.

“I’m a bit thankful that I can get into my prime at about 29, not 21 like the rest of these boys – that is a positive, definitely!”