Tomorrow hosts a big game for Southampton as they face Derby in the semi-finals of the U21 Premier League Cup.
Martin Hunter’s side brushed past Watford in the last round at St. Mary’s but the Saints boss admits it’s going to be a tough game.
The Saints will face Blackburn in the final over a two-legged affair if they get past The Rams who, currently sit top of their league.
He spoke to Southampton’s official Youtube channel:
“Everybody’s really looking forward to the game. It’ll be a tough game – they’re top of their league – and I’ve just seen some footage of their play. They’re very similar to us, they try and play in an attacking style, so it all bodes well for the game,”
“They’ve got some very good players. From time to time they’ll use senior players, so we understand what they’re going to do in terms of their formation – we think we understand that. The actual team they’re going to play, we’re not sure on that.”
“The players trained well yesterday, we’ll do some other functional work and finish the preparations off tomorrow. They’re all playing for a place in the team. We’ve got a good squad to pick from, so we’ll see who’s performed well and pick the team accordingly.”
Ryan Seager – who made his Premier League debut in recent weeks – will be looking to feature in the final.
Seager came on as a late substitute against Swansea when the first-team lost 1-0 but has obviously caught the eye of Dutch boss Ronald Koeman as the 18-year-old has featured on the bench three times for his side.
Seager also spoke to Southampton’s official Youtube channel:
“I play for the 21’s and I love it, and it’s been a great few weeks for me with obviously making my debut and that, but I’m focused on the 21’s now and the game on Thursday,” he said.”
“Everyone’s buzzing around then place, and obviously we want to get to the final so hopefully we can win the game.”
“The last few games, we haven’t been up to the standard that we want to be, but I think we can rectify it this game, hopefully get the win and get into that final.”
“It’s always nice to have a cup run – who wouldn’t want to win the cup?”
“We know they’re a good team and we know they’re top of their league, so it’s going to be a tough game – we’re not going to think it’s going to be easy or anything like that. We know we’re in for a real game.”
Saints will be looking to progress into the final and the help of fans at St. Mary’s might help spur Hunter’s side to victor against Derby.
