Premier League strugglers Southampton loaned midfielder Harrison Reed out to Blackburn Rovers in the summer.
It is hard to imagine right now that this Southampton team is the same one that developed the likes of Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers. Because it seems that the path from the academy to the first-team has become a little more difficult to navigate of late.
The case of Harrison Reed, in particular, seems to sum up the Saints’ shift of approach.
Despite starring on loan at Norwich City last season, the 23-year-old midfielder was farmed out again in the summer, joining Blackburn Rovers on a year-long deal.
And Reed’s form at Ewood Park suggests he could have been worthy of a first-team role at St Mary’s. The tenacious midfielder scored a stunner during Blackburn’s 1-1 draw at West Brom at the weekend and was described as ‘immense’ by manager Tony Mowbray, as reported by the club’s official website.
But Reed’s comments on Tuesday suggest that he could return to Southampton a much improved player.
“I’m loving it. I just wanted to come and play football and learn,” Reed told the Lancashire Telegraph.
“The manager has been great with me since I came in so long may that continue. I’m learning from going out on the pitch, this club has given me the opportunity to go out and get minutes and help the team.
“I’m learning day by day, we have some quality players in the dressing room, experienced players, a great manager who knows the league and I’m picking information from everyone and taking it on board.”
You can hardly blame Reed for enjoying life at Blackburn. After years on the fringes at Southampton, he is playing regular first-team football and improving week by week.
Surely Southampton cannot ignore Reed any longer.
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