Fraser Forster has taken a big step in his recovery programme by getting his first 90 minutes under his belt for the U21 sde in their win over Chelsea in the U21 Premier league Cup.

Saints beat Chelsea 1-0 in the U21 Premier League Cup with a goal by Ryan Seager, but all eayes were on Fraser Forster at the other end who was returning from his lengthy lay off and starting his first full game since his injury against Burnley last March.

Although U21 manager Martin Hunter was disappointed in the overall performance of his side despite the victory, he was full of praise for Fraser Forster.

"Fraser's come to our rescue on at least two occasions in the second half," Hunter explained to youtube.com/southamptonfc.

"It's great to have him back. He looks relaxed, and it's obviously another part of his rehabilitation to get back into the first team.

"He's good — he talks and he's a very calming influence. The sheer stature of him is important on crosses and things like that. We conceded quite a few set plays and defended those well with his help.

Pleasing words for all Saints supporters to hear, for any player coming back after a long lay off with a serious injury the first hurdle is to play games and prove to themselves that their injured area is now fine and can take the knocks and it seems that this is the case for Fraser Forster.

But Saints will not want to rush his return, his organisational capabilities will be much needed but keepers more than outfield players need games under their belt to get their confidence and decision making back up to the standards required in the Premier League, outfield players can be eased back into action with cameo substitute appearances in the first team ahead of a full 90 minutes, but goalkeepers cant do that and so it will be another couple of weeks and a few more U21 games before Fraser is risked for a first team start.

Photo: Action Images

BaselSaint added 15:10 - Jan 7 Let`s not wait too long to get him back. We need to do whatever we can to improve the performance of the defence and get it back to where it was. Too many late goals have been conceded. Oh - and buy a firkin striker we can rely on or a mid-fielder who can score!
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SaintBrock added 18:56 - Jan 7 It was good to see Fraser back in action but let's not forget the other good things about last night's match, rock solid defensive shielding jobs from Harrison Reed & Armani Little, a stand-out central defensive display for Jack Stevens and yet another goal-out-of-nothing from Ryan Seagar. OK, Little is perhaps too young and inexperienced for the PL at the moment but surely all three other U21's deserve to be on the first team bench this week and get some game time. Maybe there is some light in the Academy tunnel beyond 'Prowsey' and Matt Targett?

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