#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl reveals Nathan Tella will play for Southampton #SAINTSFC

SAINTS manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has reassured supporters and Nathan Tella himself that “in the next two weeks he will get a lot of chances to play.” The 22-year-old attacker made his first start of the Premier League season at Stamford Bridge before the international break, and his pace and enthusiasm did cause the Blues some problems. Although they ran out eventual 3-1 winners following James Ward-Prowse’s red card, Saints’ ‘starboy’ will have done his reputation in the eyes of the Austrian boss no harm. He was thrust into the starting fold having not played a minute of Premier League action since the opening day, where he was substituted on for the final ten of the disaster at Everton’s Goodison Park. Nathan Tella is a popular member of the Saints squad internally and externally (Pic: PA) In that time, Tella has watched on as the likes of Shane Long were called upon to impact the game from a losing position before his services were requested by Hasenhuttl, despite the boss saying “his development is good.” 👉🏾😃👈🏾 pic.twitter.com/NMEzDwgeGd — tella (@NathanTella_11) August 25, 2021 But with pace and a willing to be direct, it sounds as though the manager is now going to call on him regularly to help get his side out of a winless slump throughout the next five crucial fixtures. Asked how he judged Tella’s performance against Chelsea and whether the starting chance has buoyed the youngster, Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: “Absolutely, he is a young lad who, especially with his speed and with his effort, he’s always a threat for the opponent. Nathan Tella has played in both EFL Cup matches as Saints have reached the last 16 (Pic: PA) “Still needs to be more precise in his actions. I think to be honest his development is good, he is still a very young lad and we have to be patient with his development and giving him chances in the right moments in games. “I think Chelsea was a good opportunity for him and he did not do a bad job.” He continued: “But the Premier League is quite tough for a young lad and I think he will take the opportunities he gets, I’m sure in the next weeks he will get a lot of chances to play.” Tella notched his first Premier League goal in a 3-1 win against Fulham in May this year, and will be keen to add to his tally. Nathan Tella celebrates a maiden Premier League goal against Fulham (Pic: PA) Saints take on Leeds United, Watford, Burnley, Aston Villa and Norwich in the next five – a block of games that will be crucial to the direction of the campaign. Stuart Armstrong has made a return from injury that adds to the competition in Hasenhuttl’s wide ten roles, but Che Adams has a muscle injury that could open the door for players like Tella to operate in a striking capacity.