Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl’s pre-match prediction about Will Smallbone turned prophetic on Saturday afternoon.
What’s he said?
The Saints ran out 2-0 winners over Huddersfield Town in the third round of the FA Cup, securing safe passage through.
Two debutants scored the goals, with Jake Vokins and Smallbone both on the scoresheet.
The latter’s strike was a stylish half-volleyed finish from inside the box and came after Hasenhuttl had talked up his abilities.
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Per The Daily Echo, he said of the 19-year-old: “Young players could get a chance to play and he has a big future at this club.
“We try to bring young players through to play for this club and he’s an option for Saturday’s game, yes.
“Against the ball, he still has to learn a little bit but he shows in the sessions that he is special with the ball. A good young player.”
Proves himself an option
This was a win-win scenario for Southampton but it has turned out superbly for Hasenhuttl and his men.
The teenager could have failed to cope with the pressure of starting for his club at the highest level.
But the opposite was true; he grabbed his chance and scored an excellent goal, suddenly catapulting himself into contention to start in the Premier League.
Smallbone has been in fine form for the youth sides, scoring once from attacking midfield in the Premier League 2, and the Republic of Ireland have also capped him at U18 and U19 level.
Now, he could well see his development accelerated; don’t be surprised to see him on the Saints bench or in the team in the weeks to come.
Meanwhile, a Southampton target has joined Juventus instead.
