Gaston Ramirez is back in the first team frame at Southampton after appearing for the Saints for the first time in 13 months with Ronald Koeman confirming his plans to keep him around; for the time being.
The Uruguayan was brought on as a second-half sub in the 6-0 thrashing of MK Dons in the Capital One Cup at Stadium MK for his first appearance since the beginning of last season.
Ronald Koeman described his admiration for the 24 year-old since returning over the summer.
“He’s part of the squad, training well, well disciplined and not complaining. I admire that,” said the Dutchman who also welcomed Ryan Bertrand back into the first team after injury.
“He (Bertrand) is good because he played 45 minutes [in an under-21 game against Reading] on Monday and another 35 minutes tonight. He is still maybe not ready for a whole game, but he’s close to being back.”
Sadio Mane, Jay Rodriguez and Shane Long all bagged two goals each in a comfortable win in the first round of the cup.
Ramirez was Southampton’s record signing (£12million from Bologna) back in 2012 but has failed to nail down a place in the squad since his first season at St. Mary’s. Ramirez was sent on-loan to Hull City last season but didn’t feature regularly for Steve Bruce’s relegated Tigers.
