---
title: "Koeman to give opportunities to fringe players"
canonical: "https://readsouthampton.com/2015/10/28/koeman-give-opportunities-fringe-players/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2015-10-28T10:21:45Z"
modified: "2015-10-28T10:21:45Z"
---

# Koeman to give opportunities to fringe players

Ronald Koeman has told press that he is [willing](https://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/20151027-ronald-koeman-team-news-aston-villa-cup-2768283.aspx) to give some fringe players an opportunity on Wednesday evening as they take on bottom placed Aston Villa in the Capital One Cup fourth round.

The Southampton boss has recently spoke of his desire to lift a trophy during his spell at Southampton, but has also hinted in his most recent press conference that he will look to some of Southampton’s squad players to stake their claim for a place in his plans on Wednesday evening.

Speaking about the squad depth this season, Koeman said: “We know the difference between this season and last season is that, in my opinion, we have a stronger squad and we have more competition between the players. Some players deserve to play and this is the opportunity for them to show they count in our squad and they give real competition to the rest of the players.”

![Pete Norton/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readsouthampton.com/readsouthampton/2015/10/4897052841.jpg)

When speaking about his options for the Aston Villa game, Koeman told the media about his lack of attacking options due to injuries to Jay Rodriguez and Shane Long, and how his Southampton side will be altered to suit these injuries.

“We have some injuries but we have a lot of fit defenders, who are strong and still without injury and I’m pleased for that. But with the forwards we have a little bit more of a problem.”

When asked about the chances of including fringe players, Koeman expressed his happiness with how they are showing good attitude and are raring to go: “Players like Juanmi and \[Gastón\] Ramírez are doing well, they are training hard and they showed already last weekend their qualities.”

Do you think that Juanmi and Gaston Ramirez deserve a start on Wednesday evening?