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. 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,
Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “Absolutely, he is a young lad who, especially with his speed and with his effort, he’s always a threat for the opponent. 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. 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. 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.
