Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl takes responsibility for 4-0 Liverpool loss #SAINTSFC

November 28, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl has accepted full responsibility for the manner of his side’s defeat at Liverpool, admitting: “I sent them in the first-half with a not good plan and this did not work.” The Austrian boss made three personnel changes and a switch of shape as Saints got battered 4-0 at Anfield. Saints lined up with three central defenders, two central-midfielders flanked by wing-backs and a front three – but they were overpowered in almost every area of the pitch. Hasenhuttl changed back to his usual 4-2-2-2 at half-time but the damage was already done, condemning the squad and supporters to a long journey home on the icy roads. Speaking after the match, Hasenhuttl was honest about what he labels as “my mistake.” He said: “We wanted to surprise them a little bit but we surprised ourself today I think. “This is not a good idea against a team on fire and this was definitely my mistake if you want, I take it on my blood. “Absolutely, I sent them in the first-half with a not good plan on the pitch and this did not work.” Assessing the match, he added: “Yes, everybody has seen that we had no chances in the first-half, I think the way we played that. “We tried man-orientated like we did against Chelsea but it didn’t work because the individual quality today, we couldn’t stop it. “We had big problems in the half, spaces there beside the centre-halves where we could not stop them. This is the reason why we changed it at half-time but the game was gone at that moment, I think. “In the second-half it was more stable, we played better football and had given them not so many chances in our normal shape what we normally play. “I don’t know, we can play this game again and start like this and maybe we have more chances but it is still hard to defend against a team on fire because they still had chances and scored a goal from a set-piece. “We can definitely play better than in the first-half, this is for sure – we had a lot of chances to be honest, this is a bit disappointing because we didn’t score here so far – it’s always tough to get something when you do not score. “But even then I think against this team that is really on fire at the moment, they saved a few players during the week for the weekend so they knew how important this game was for them and they didn’t make the mistake they made against Brighton where they stopped after 2-0. “They kept on going today and this was tough for us to defend.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl reveals why Elyounoussi and Diallo did not feature in Liverpool clash #SAINTSFC

November 28, 2021
BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed both Mohamed Elyounoussi and Ibrahima Diallo were ruled out at late notice before Saints’ tame 4-0 defeat at Liverpool. The Austrian manager saw his side thumped at Anfield, thanks to a double from Diogo Jota as well as goals from Thiago and Virgil van Dijk. Norwegian forward Elyounoussi was ruled out of Saints’ line-up with his partner due to give birth, while Diallo was an unused substitute due to an ankle problem. The Saints boss said: “We tried something during the week but Ibra was suddenly then out, he couldn’t play. “He twisted his ankle and he couldn’t play. “Moi was staying at home because his wife was having a baby and he had to stay home.” Liverpool opened the scoring through Jota after just two minutes on Merseyside. And the Reds did not look back to ensure a comfortable success. Saints have now suffered back-to-back top-flight defeats, having lost 2-1 away at Norwich last weekend. They host Leicester at St Mary’s on Wednesday.
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Graham Potter reveals Robert Sanchez happiness in returning to playing 11 after red card suspension #BHAFC

November 27, 2021
Robert Sanchez is ready to come bouncing back from his first red card. The Albion goalkeeper is expected to return to the XI as they face Leeds tomorrow (5.30pm). That is despite Jason Steele emerging with flying colours from his Premier League debut at Aston Villa. Sanchez has had time on the training ground both with Albion and Spain since his dismissal against Newcastle. Seagulls boss Graham Potter said: “He has reacted really well. “It’s a football action that can happen so there’s no blame for Rob – no negativity for that. “It’s part of his experience and development as a player so we’re all behind him and he will come back stronger for it.” Sanchez recently turned 24 and has so far made 38 Prem appearances, the equivalent of one full season. Potter said: “He’s quite a level-headed guy who keeps things in perspective. “Obviously he’s lucky because Ben Roberts works really well with him and he’s got the support of his team and the support of everybody here. “We know his quality. The sky’s the limit for him but he’s still a young goalkeeper and you can’t short-cut that process. EX-SOUTHWICK PLAYER SET TO TAKE OVER AT MANCHESTER UNITED “That’s the reality of it, regardless of whatever he did. “We also know Jason’s qualities. They are two different goalkeepers at two different stages of their careers, but they are both really important for us.”
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley boss Sean Dyche gives injury update ahead of Tottenham Hotspur clash #BURNLEYFC

November 27, 2021
BURNLEY boss Sean Dyche says Ashley Barnes will be out for “weeks rather than days” due to a thigh injury. The forward missed last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace at Turf Moor and is set for a spell on the sidelines. Dyche also revealed Matej Vydra and Jay Rodriguez have minor problems but says they should be available for Sunday’s clash with Tottenham. “We’ve got a few niggly ones which should calm down,” said the Burnley boss. “Jay Rodriguez, just a bit of tightness. Matej Vydra, a bit of tightness. But they should be fine. “Barnesy is the only one (who is ruled out for) a bit of time now because he’s got a pretty decent tear in his thigh, so that’s going to take a bit of time to calm down I think. “There isn’t a time limit on it but it’s certainly not going to be days - it’s going to be weeks. He’s the only current one that is really out of action so to speak.” Spurs enter the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat against Slovenian side NS Mura in the Europa Conference League. However, Dyche insists they have lots of quality and knows his side have to be prepared for a tough game. He added: “They’ve had to change again – quick changes with managers. There are no two ways about the manager (Antonio Conte) knowing his stuff and the players know their stuff. “It’s just sometimes you need a connection between what you’re trying to achieve tactically – a change of culture, a change of manager – and get the best out of the players. “There’s no doubt in my mind that there are still some highly talented players there – that’s a given for Tottenham sides over the last few years. “The manager getting the best out of them – that’s his job. His record suggests he will over time.  “They don’t lack talent, that’s for sure. We’re going to have to be well aware of the strengths they’ve got. “But equally we’re on a nice little run of performances, we look a threat, we can score goals. So we still focus on ourselves.”
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton boss Graham Potter supports LGBTQ+ community campaign – Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces #BHAFC

November 27, 2021
Graham Potter says he hopes a Premier League player ‘comes out’ out as gay. The Albion head coach believes the game has made progress in terms of increased inclusivity across the board. He has backed Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, which encourages people to speak up on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. Albion’s match at home to Leeds is their designated Rainbow Laces fixture. Potter said of the campaign: “It’s vital, as a game, we should welcome everybody regardless of who they love. “It’s a fantastic initiative and it’s something football needs to carry on working with because we have to carry on being welcoming for all. “It’s an issue we speak about a lot regardless of sexuality, the colour of skin, religion, it should be a game for everyone. “I am pleased that football is taking a step, there’s things we could do better.” He added: “It’s educational, conversation, honesty, openness around the things that challenge people. “The more that gets out in the open the better.” Potter was asked whether a Premier League player would come out at some point. He replied: “I hope so because that’s a part of the challenge. “We’ve taken some steps but not enough. “Historically and culturally it’s a very masculine, heterosexual environment. “Thankfully the world is changing and people feel freer to be who they are regardless of their sexuality, but it’s not easy. “We’ve had some stories recently where people have taken those steps. “Not in this country but I believe there was a story in Australia. BRIGHTON'S ROBERT SANCHEZ READY TO BOUNCE BACK “A big congratulations to him, the more conversations, initiatives like this, the greater the chance of that happening.”
Tino Lavramento
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl mentions squad rotation and reveals resting Tino Livramento #SAINTSFC

November 27, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl has admitted he’s already planning what players may need a rest over the coming week but insists Tino Livramento isn’t necessarily one, adding: “I think it is not that he is tired but they are focussed on him because of his strength.” Saints begin a busy winter schedule with nine games between now and January 2 with the visit to Anfield on Saturday – three of them coming in the next seven days. Hasenhuttl has already remarked multiple times about how much more pleased he is with the squad depth following last season’s collapse, but now it is about to be put to the test with winnable contests versus Leicester and Brighton at St Mary’s next week. Some supporters have commented that 19-year-old right-back Livramento is among the players who have looked a bit tired, bruised and battered in the last two Premier League fixtures. Read more The former Chelsea youngster took a kicking versus Villa and was forced to withdraw from England under-21 international duty with a minor injury, before he struggled again in the defeat at Norwich. The youngster has impressed supporters with his work-rate and desire but some say he needs a rest (Pic: PA) Having played all 12 of this season’s league matches at such a young age, Hasenhuttl insisted that he doesn’t think the teen is tired but just on the opposition’s watch list. Speaking ahead of the visit to Anfield, Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: “I think it is not that he is tired but that they are a little bit more focussed on him because of the strength he has there. “But it is normal that they are taking a little bit of care of him. “It is more important to have both sides really strong so that they do not know which side they should focus on more. Kyle Walker-Peters has been operating in left-back but is right-sided by trade “The team is always that good when you have on every position a player that they have to take care of him because then it is hard for the opponent, when everyone is a threat it is hard to defend. “We have on the full-back positions very good alternatives on both sides, this is what we need because the season is very long and we are in a much more comfortable situation than last season.” Tino Livramento is in #SaintsFC training at least, along with Redmond and Broja 👀 👍 https://t.co/lJlh6YVnKL — Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) November 16, 2021 But with some important squad management to come, the Austrian boss did admit that he and his staff have already got a plan in mind for just how many minutes some his squad can take over the next week. The fixture schedule doesn’t relent – there’s a week off after Brighton but then it’s back to a three-game week again with visits to Arsenal, Crystal Palace and a visit from Brentford. Tino Livramento scored his first-ever senior goal in the 2-2 draw with Burnley (Pic: Stuart Martin) “Yeah sure, we have a whole picture in our heads,” Hasenhuttl admitted, “we have to have this.” “The good thing is that they are completely different games, Liverpool plays a different style than Leicester or Brighton so we can definitely think about who would be best.” He added: “But anyway, you have to pick the best possible team for your gameplan, if you have different gameplans that is easier.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl reveals Mohammed Salisu goal to emulate Virgil van Dijk #SAINTSFC

November 27, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl responded to Mohammed Salisu’s target of becoming like former Saints Virgil van Dijk saying: “He still has a way to go, but there’s no reason why he couldn’t learn it.” The Dutch former Saints centre-back has gone on to become one of the world’s most respected defenders since he signed from Celtic and moved on to Liverpool. He has won the Premier League and Champions League with current club and Saints' upcoming opponents Liverpool, as well as captaining the Netherlands’ national team. What makes van Dijk so feared is his stature, speed and rigidity paired with proficiency on the ball like that of a ball-playing midfielder. Hasenhuttl says the latter is the area in which Salisu needs to improve if he wishes to emulate the Dutchman’s skill-set. He said: “It shows you how much he (Salisu) had to learn that it took so long until he was an option for the starting XI. “Especially with the ball, he can develop massively. He did it so far. “When you speak about van Dijk with his long balls and calmness on the ball, he still has a way to go. “But there’s no reason why he couldn’t learn it. Hasenhuttl continued: “A good thing is that in the centre-back position the older you get, the better you get because of the more experience you get. “This is definitely a player that showed this season that he deserved to play from the beginning and I’m very happy with his progress.”
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Graham Potter reveals Brighton’s Enock Mwepu may play a part against Leeds #BHAFC #LUFC

November 26, 2021
But his playing time in Saturday’s match could be limited. The Zambia international missed recent action for club and country with a muscle issue. Albion boss Graham Potter said: “He has recovered well and trained this week. “We need to see how he is tomorrow but he has got a really good chance of being in the squad. “We will look at his game time in terms of how much he can play, but he’s available.” Steven Alzate has been back out on the grass at the club’s training complex doing some work with the ball. GRAHAM POTTER SPEAKS AHEAD OF BRIGHTON V LEEDS Potter said: “He and Danny [Welbeck] are making really good progress. “The guys are really positive. We will see. “They’re quite lengthy injuries, so I don’t want to put too much of an expectation on them. “Every report I have from the guys is a good one, so we’re hopeful.” Both were expected back in early 2022 although Welbeck was recently reported to be ahead of schedule.
Graham Potter Brighton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories-Graham Potter reveals excitement on Leeds game at the Amex #BHAFC #LUFC

November 26, 2021
Simon Grayson walked into the press conference room at the Amex and, in a break from the norm, asked the first question. He was manager of Leeds United at the time and his side had just grabbed a 3-3 draw in a hectic finale. Looking up at the muted TV screen to his left, which was showing Sky Sports News, he asked reporters present: “How did Rhinos go on?” He was informed by one of the reporters from Leeds that the city’s rugby league team had won and replied: “Been a decent night, then!” Grayson then proceeded to take questions on a game with the round ball which had seen Ross McCormack score deep in added time to earn Leeds a draw on their first ever visit to the new stadium. That was a cracker of a Friday night fixture, played just 48 hours after Albion had tested Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool in the League Cup. The bold, or barmy, decision to play those two games so close together probably caught up with Albion. They came from 2-0 down at half-time to lead in a pulsating second half spent swarming towards the North Stand. [embedded content] But McCormack scored his second of the game as time ran out. That goal was probably the highlight of Leeds’ trips to the Amex from their point of view. It is rivalled by Paddy Kenny’s penalty save from Craig Mackail-Smith a year later. That was the game in which Leeds twice came from behind to force a 2-2 draw. [embedded content] Kenny denied them by saving not only the spot kick but also a late sidefoot effort by Andrew Crofts. Mackail-Smith scored twice in that game, the first of them from the spot. There was some debate over who scored Leeds’ second out-of the-blue equaliser. It has gone down next to the name of Michael Brown, who was fortunate not to be shown a second yellow card earlier in the game. But the ball actually took a flick off Lucciano Becchio to curl it past the dive of Tomasz Kuszczak. It was a significant goal because it remains Leeds’ last at the Amex. Albion have won five out of five since then, scoring 11 goals and conceding none. Leo Ulloa’s clever flick kicked that off by securing a 1-0 win over Oscar Garcia. A 2-0 success the following year included Inigo Calderon’s famous goal with his face as the ball bounced in off him. That was one of three successive home wins under Chris Hughton to guide the Seagulls away from the Championship relegation places. It was 4-0 by half-time the season after that and a pair of penalties completed a 2-0 pre-Christmas success in the promotion campaign. Pascal Gross drilled home from the spot last season. That was followed by Danny Welbeck’s superb second. Welbeck’s finish was every bit as good as, and not dis-similar to, Albion’s first goal against Leeds at the Amex, when Mackail-Smith finished calmly after a dragback when the ball came into him. They took an unbeaten Prem record into the fixture with Newcastle and extended it to nine games, though not in the way they would have liked. Then they went to Villa Park last week, a venue where they had never won before fans, and guess what happened. Now they look to extend a good run against Leeds. Graham Potter got a good look at the current Leeds side last Sunday when he attended their 2-1 defeat at Tottenham. He was very impressed by their first-half display. Potter said: “Every team brings its own something to the league, that’s what makes it so interesting. BRIGHTON'S ROBERT SANCHEZ READY TO BOUNCE BACK “The thing with Leeds is it’s so authentic, so clear and they’ve had an amazing journey with Marcelo there. “Promotion and a big club like Leeds United with that support and belief behind them, they’re always going to be a fantastic opponent in the Premier League. "So it’s a game you have to look forward to.”
Nathan Tella
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl responds to Nathan Tella game time questions #SAINTSFC

November 26, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl insists he has “a good relationship” with Nathan Tella and offers the assurance that: “We will have games where he is my number one option.” Supporters were left disappointed after Tella was an unused substitute during the 2-1 defeat at Norwich, despite Theo Walcott coming on and Ibrahima Diallo being used in the 10 from the off. It was seen by some as a slight to Tella, who has only made one Premier League start this campaign. It is known that Hasenhuttl sees the 22-year-old’s best position as a forward, with Adam Armstrong, Armando Broja and Che Adams all likely ahead of him in that pecking order. But speaking ahead of the visit to Liverpool, Hasenhuttl responded to a question on the youngster’s development. He said: "He will get time. I think it is a special situation with him. He is very similar to Adam Armstrong and this is his problem. "There will be games where we need his qualities and he has them. These games will come, for sure, he is still so young and he is willing to learn. "There are still times when he is a little sloppy in his technique but this is getting better and that's normal. "I have a good relationship with this guy and all the young lads. They are pushing themselves and they all want to play." He added: "Tella played a fantastic game against Chelsea, for example, and we will have games where he is my number one option."
Alex McCarthy Southampton
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl delighted with competition between Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster #SAINTSFC

November 26, 2021
RALPH Hasenhuttl is keeping faith with Alex McCarthy but sends a message to his squad: “Players who did not show their best performances now have to show up because three games not good in a row is definitely really not helpful to stay in the team.” The 31-year-old former England international will have been left disappointed following both headed goals from Teemu Pukki and Grant Hanley at Norwich during the 2-1 defeat last weekend. Speaking ahead of the visit to Liverpool, boss Hasenhuttl was asked about what pressure Fraser Forster is putting on the number one shot-stopper. McCarthy has posted five clean sheets in 12 matches so far during the 2021-22 Premier League campaign with some impressive saves to boot. Read more That’s why the Austrian has been assured in his faith in the former Reading keeper, but he has stated that three disappointing performances could be enough for any member of his squad to lose their shirt. Alex McCarthy has started every Premier League game this campaign (Pic: Stuart Martin) Assessing the McCarthy and Forster competition, he said: “Everybody is under pressure from somebody else otherwise we wouldn’t be doing our job. “This is not only he goalkeeper but he has to feel that ‘there is somebody putting pressure on me and I have to bring the best performance’. “Alex didn’t show the best performance last week, there is no discussion about it, he knows it, I know it, everybody knows it. “On a normal day he makes the saves for the two goals, this he knows. This is the crucial situation for a goalkeeper, if he makes a mistake it is a goal. We can blame McCarthy all we want, but if we score more in the first half the match is killed. #saintsfc — Erik Franzo (@EFranzo17) November 20, 2021 Hasenhuttl continued: “But I remember also this season in the Watford game he had an unbelievable save to win us three points there, and he had also a few more games where he has unbelievable saves to keep us in the game. “He has done a fantastic job this season so far, this is why I am happy but on the other side it would be the same if Fraser was my number one goalkeeper and Alex is putting pressure on him. Fraser Forster performed well during the EFL Cup contests (Pic: PA) “I know that after one bad game changing it immediately would be horrible because the last thing you want to do is confuse them and not give him trust, but he has to show up – he also knows that one bad game can sometimes happen but you have to immediately show up. “It is not only him but there was a few players who did not show their best performance and they now have to show up because three games not good in a row is definitely really not helpful to stay in the team.”
James Ward Prowse
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Ralph Hasenhuttl pays tribute to James Ward-Prowse ahead of 200th Premier League start #SAINTSFC

November 26, 2021
JAMES Ward-Prowse is set to make his 200th start in the Premier League for Saints as Ralph Hasenhuttl pays tribute to his skipper. The 27-year-old midfielder has made 279 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 32 goals in that time while maturing from academy product to club captain. Ward-Prowse played every minute of Hasenhuttl’s first two seasons as Saints manager, although that concurrent run was ended after he received a red card at Chelsea in October. But to amass the volume of minutes that he has, whilst also making nine appearances for his country since his England debut in 2017, is no easy achievement. Hasenhuttl has paid tribute to the star, ahead of Saints’ visit to Liverpool on Saturday. He said: “Firstly, congrats, at his age 200 is quite massive I must say. “We had a building up relationship I think, when I came here it took a while until he was part of the first XI. “The things I demanded of him I spoke of very clearly I think and he also showed it relatively quick, what we expected of him. “The rest of the story you know, you have seen the progress he has made for the last three years now.” Although now 27, Ward-Prowse probably played his best football for Saints in the recent 2020-21 campaign – despite the team struggling. He provided eight goals and eight assists to help the team survive, as well as cutting himself further a reputation as a set-piece specialist – the direct free-kicks, at least. His form nearly afforded him a place at the European Championships in Gareth Southgate’s squad, but he was just pipped to the post leaving him to target next year’s winter World Cup in Qatar. Hasenhuttl adds that he believes Ward-Prowse can continue to become a better player. He said: “Finally, he is not at the end of his development I don’t think. “What I like about this player is that when you show him something, criticise him for something, he immediately is able to fix it, to improve this part. “This is very good behaviour for a player I think, he is always open minded, always willing to learn and this is never a disadvantage for your development when you have this character.”
Che Adams
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Che Adams believes it’s his responsibility to help young strikers in absence of Danny Ings #SAINTSFC

November 25, 2021
RED-HOT frontman Che Adams admits he does feel an added responsibility among the club's strikeforce this season in the absence of Danny Ings, insisting: "It's up to me to help them." Adams, 25, has been in fine form in recent weeks. His goal in defeat at Norwich City on Saturday was the striker's fifth in six outings for club and country, having also struck in wins for Scotland over Moldova and Denmark earlier this month. Adam Armstrong was signed up from Blackburn Rovers after Ings left to join Aston Villa, but has just two goals to his name in his 12 appearances for Saints so far. Shane Long has been limited to just three substitute outings across league and cup, while 20-year-old Armando Broja and academy graduate Nathan Tella are inexperienced in the Premier League. That often leaves Adams as the most senior, experienced striker in a starting line-up for a Saints side which so often previously looked to Ings to save the day. Like Armstrong, Adams arrived from the Championship to Saints in a £15million deal. He infamously took 30 matches to break his duck for the Hampshire club. But having now settled into Premier League life, the Leicester-born ace is keen to pass on his advice to his fellow strikers. Asked if he feels added responsibility this season with Ings no longer at the club, Adams told the Daily Echo: "Yeah, you could say that. "Obviously it’s difficult to say, because I feel so young as well at the same time. "But I mean, I’ve been in this league for a couple of years now and it’s up to me to help them – help Armando and help Adam as to what happened to me and where I went wrong." Reflecting back on his difficult early months at Saints, the former Birmingham City man added: "I think it was just about being too up tight. "I think it’s just being patient because my mind was so set on scoring goals and being so anxious on doing that, that’s where I went wrong. "I was snatching at things where I should’ve been just relaxed. "It’s easy to say now, but now I can look back and say where I went wrong. "But I think that was definitely something I was thinking about." Asked if he speaks to Armstrong about some of his recent misses in front of goal, Adams said: "It’s difficult because obviously I don’t want to sound too patronising, because Adam has done it in the Championship. "But obviously I’ve been in that situation and I know Adam can score goals. "He’s experienced as well and as a striker you’re always going to have these chances, but people always remember the ones you miss." At this stage last season, Saints had scored 24 goals from their 12 league matches. This campaign they have just 11, with only Norwich (7) having netted fewer in the top flight. Discussing the side's lack of goals this campaign, Adams said: "We’re getting into the right places to score, but we’re not doing that. "We just have to be patient, keep doing what we’re doing because we’re getting into those areas where we can score and we can hurt the defence and we’re just not putting the finishing touch on it. "So I think it’s just a matter of being patient and self-belief."
James Ward Prowse
Posted in2021-2022-Season Daily News

#PLStories- James Ward-Prowse reflects on missed opportunity to play for national team England #SAINTSFC

November 25, 2021
SAINTS skipper James Ward-Prowse admits his regret at missing out on another international break with England, adding: “Any opportunity to represent your country has to be taken with the utmost respect.” The 27-year-old midfielder was called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the final two World Cup qualifiers, after he scored his second international goal against Andorra last time out. Despite missing three games in October through suspension, Southgate still showed faith to select him and the Three Lions went on to win 10-0 against San Marino – the match Ward-Prowse would likely have started. But the Saints man wasn’t there after he was ruled out before the fixtures began through illness, which manager Ralph Hasenhuttl later confirmed just to be a "bug". It meant Ward-Prowse missed a certain chance to add to his international goals account, as well keep himself at the forefront of Southgate’s mind ahead of the World Cup in Qatar next winter. “Yeah I was disappointed,” Ward-Prowse told the Daily Echo. “You know when you get any opportunity to represent your country in your career it’s got to be taken with the utmost respect and speciality. “It was unfortunate to miss out on it but it gave me a chance and a week to recover and get myself ready for this game (Norwich).” Ward-Prowse reassured supporters: “I came through the game (at Norwich), I’m feeling well, I just need to find that consistency at the moment and that will come.” It’s been a difficult, stop-start few months for the Three Lions international, after he made the preliminary squad for this year’s European Championship – with the final held at Wembley. However, he was cut from the squad that took part and missed out on the historic run, before suffering a knee injury which disrupted his pre-season schedule. He played through the start of the season still recovering from that, added to by also having "stomach issues" which impacted his fitness. But Ward-Prowse still played every minute of the Premier League up until his sending off at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge – although he’s found it difficult to hit top gear that Saints’ supporters became accustomed to from his form last campaign. With the latest setback coming during the November break, Ward-Prowse reflected on a difficult start to the campaign: “Yeah it has been, I’ve been very lucky in recent years to have consistency with no injuries or health issues and being available for every game. To start the season with a knee injury and the stomach issues, it’s hard to find the level of consistency, but these things happen. It’s about being adaptable in this game. Hopefully I can knuckle down and help the team.”