As Ivan Juric puts the balls into the bag for the draw for the first team starting XI on Wednesday evening, he could surely do worse than throw in an extra ball and give a debut to a recent under the radar arrival.

The player in question is 20 year old Victor Udoh, who recently joined from Belgium Jupilo League side Royal Antwerp on a 3 1/2 year contract.

Although Udoh had forced his way into the Antwerp squad after joining them in March 2023, amassing 19 appearances and an assist in the Jupilo League in his 1 1/2 seasons at the club, plus another 5 in the Championship play offs, he seemingly felt he would be better off at Southampton.

He joined and was immediately taken into the U21 side and he has hit the ground running scoring twice against Sunderland and so far has impressed in his 3 starts and one sub appearance for the U21's.

In a recent interview he spoke about how he wants to fire the U21's to a play off spot in Premier League 2, but it could be that he could get a chance in the first team.

A versatile player, he can play either as a winger or central striker, it might just work to throw someone into our jaded side who has the spirit and enthusiasm lacking and might just play without fear.

All Photos Via Reuters

kingolaf added 13:39 - Mar 31 Can’t do any worse than Sulemana or Onuachu.
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Bowlercow added 14:31 - Mar 31 Every team selected from now to the end should contain at least one of our very capable under 21 squad Unless of course we are going to win all nine and survive
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underweststand added 15:52 - Mar 31 The gap between Championship and Premier League is still enormous - as is that for the U21 prospects, but at this stage with only mathematics keeping us up - why not? Tyler Dibling has one foot out of the door on a big money move, so we need some new blood. There are a goodly number of talents at the youth level just now and the likes of Payne, Robinson and Bragg might not be out of place in next season's line-ups. After a mediocre start to the season the U21's have been a revelation since the New Year (as have the U18 side) and Udoh ought to get some minutes to try his luck. With our recent run of games we can hardly do worse and it's an ideal time to try out the next generation's products.

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Colburn added 16:09 - Mar 31 Robinson looked good in a couple of the preseason friendliest, I’d give him a go. Haven’t seen Udoh but the other lad back from loan is most likely to be ready if he’s fit. His name escapes me atm but he came back injured, scored at Newport in the cup under Ralph. I don’t understand why Archer hasn’t been given a long run in the side, he’s by far the best finisher, we just haven’t done anything to supply him with the bullets. Basically due to the eternally unsuccessful obsession of 5 at the back. I still can’t understand why we let Charles and Edozie go out on loan and watched inferior players in their place.

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Block8 added 17:31 - Mar 31 Colburn, couldn't agree more we've not had the best strikers in the PL but we have had two managers that didn't utilise them at all! We have some decent youngsters but I feel playing under this manager could do more harm than good.
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InTimeAddedOn added 17:49 - Mar 31 Colburn - is the player you are thinking of Dom Ballard? He got injured whilst on loan at Reading last season and again whilst on loan at Blackpool this season. Came back to us in January fit to play and scored 4 goals and made 3 assists in 2 U/21 games against Fulham & Newcastle. Then went out on loan again to Cambridge United near the end of the Jan 25 window. Disappointed he didn’t get a look in for the FA Cup tie v Swansea as he was back here and in good form with the U/21’s scoring a hat trick against Fulham just two days before the Swansea game…

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