SAINTS could turn to one of their talented youngsters to fill their vacant right back position.

Head coach Jan Poortvliet is currently in the second week of preseason training at Staplewood and already the Dutch coach has been impressed with what he has seen, particularly from the younger generation.

And it might be that one of Jake Thomson or Jamie Hatch is asked to step into the right back position which remains an area where Saints are very light.

Following the release of Alexander Ostlund and Jermaine Wright, Saints have only ONE experienced head who can play there - and Wayne Thomas is much more of a centre half.

That could well open the way for either 18-year-old Hatch or 19-yearold Thomson who, along with Adam Lallana, Andrew Surman and Simon Gillett, were singled out by Poortvliet to make their mark next season.

"What has impressed me most is the quality of some of the young players, even of 16-years-old, they were amazing," said Poortvliet, who is set to give one of them a first run out in the opening pre-season friendly at Farnborough next Tuesday.

"They were playing like they enjoy themselves and all the quality is coming out.

"You hear a lot about the likes of Gillett, Lallana, Surman and Thomson and, from what I have seen, they have all given what everyone told me.

"The quality of the young players was very good.

"I was surprised with it and I am honestly looking forward to playing games with them and see how they will all grow up."

Poortvliet said he has no qualms about putting someone into the starting line-up if he feels they are ready, regardless of their age.

"Honestly, I hope for a little bit of competition and for that also I have to put them in," he said.

"When you put players in who are capable to play then you get the competition and everyone is involved with it.

"Because of that I have to give them a chance and something to believe in.

"Also, when you put some players in others are going to work harder to be in the team and that is very important."