In the latest instalment of our Loan Watch series, we track the progress of two Southampton players who are currently spending time away from the club this term.
Harrison Reed – Fulham
Having spent two consecutive spells away from Southampton with Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers respectively during the previous two campaigns, midfielder Harrison Reed is currently enjoying his third temporary move away from St. Mary’s with Championship outfit Fulham.
The 24-year-old has begun life at the west London club slowly, however, starting just one of the Cottagers’ opening six Championship fixtures – a 1-1 draw against Cardiff prior to the international break.
However, during that bout against Neil Warnock’s men, the Saints loanee recorded an impressive pass success rate of 86% – only fellow midfielder Tom Cairney and defender Tim Ream managed more for the visitors – whilst also winning two aerial duals (via WhoScored).
Fraser Forster – Celtic
Saints ‘keeper Fraser Forster rejoined former club Celtic on a season-long last month. With both Angus Gunn and Alex McCarthy seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order at St Mary’s, regular game-time looked to be limited for the six-capped England international.
The ex-Newcastle shot-stopper has played two games for Neil Lennon’s reigning champions thus far, and looks to be staking a solid claim to become the Hoops’ designated No.1 this term.
Initially brought in due to an injury to Scott Bain – who is still ruled out of action – Forster’s main aim will be to immediately impress his former employees so that when Bain does return to the fold, he doesn’t fall straight out of the side.
So far he is doing just that. The 31-year-old has conceded just one goal in 180 minutes of football for the Bhoys so far, and was ever-present between the sticks during the club’s impressive 2-0 win over fierce rivals Rangers before the international break.
Celtic have taken six points from six in the two games that Forster has played throughout, and now sit top of the SPL – Forster can have few complaints with his (second) start at Parkhead.
A fairly impressive few games for the players mentioned after struggling to get much of a look-in down on the South Coast in recent seasons.
Indeed, with Forster previously having donned the #1 jersey in Hampshire and Reed winning the praise of former boss Ronald Koeman during his breakthrough period back in 2014, the pair do obviously have previous within the Saints’ first XI. That kind of quality has been obvious during their respective loan stints, despite the fact their parent club have seemingly moved on under a new manager.
Keep this kind of form up and perhaps both players will put themselves in the shop window for a permanent move.
Saints fans, do you think either of these players still have a future at the club? Let us know by commenting below!
