Hasenhuttl hints at Simeu and Small Southampton chance soon

Simeu, 19, who signed from Chelsea’s academy in the summer is yet to make his senior debut in football but has been on the bench for each of the last two Premier League matches.

The strong centre-back has been impressive in David Horseman’s B team in Premier League 2 this campaign. 

Meanwhile, 17-year-old left-back Small – who was born in August 2004 – had already made his senior bow for Everton, after he was given an FA Cup debut by Carlo Ancelotti last season.

Read more

• Saints' next match thrown into doubt after Newcastle vs Everton postponed
• 'I heard at 10pm' - Ralph gives COVID/injury updates on Adams, Tino + more
• Conte - 'I don't want to comment on the referee or VAR decision'

And with Swansea City away coming up soon in the FA Cup, Hasenhuttl kept his cards close to his chest but has hinted that he may afford the two teenagers a first-team chance soon.

Saints' Dynel Simeu has featured in each of the last two matchday squads (Pic: Stuart Martin) (Image: Stuart Martin)

Asked if he was impressed with the pair as an addition to their matchday squad, Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: “Absolutely.

“We need every player at the moment so they are training with us all the time now.”

“It can happen that we, sooner or later, get a chance for them. This is what we need.”

He continued: “For some players, it (the FA Cup) is a good opportunity I think to make first steps in the team and we will have a look.”

Thierry Small (left) made his senior debut aged 16 in the FA Cup (Pic: PA)

Both Small and Simeu have scored their first goals in Saints colours in Premier League 2, displaying their usefulness at both ends of the pitch.

Small netted two similar finishes in the demolitions of Aston Villa and Newcastle, while Simeu scored his first in the latter and showed proficiency with his head to finish Caleb Watts’ cross in the defeat at Sunderland.

Ex-Blues man Simeu is also actually a Southampton local, having been raised in SO14.