The 21-year-old is set to make his full debut for his hometown club in the San Siro this evening.
Southampton’s Sam McQueen in action with Burnley’s Johann Berg Gudmundsson
Southampton travel to the San Siro to face Inter Milan this evening short of full-backs, but their impressive academy is again there to cushion the blow for Saints.
Left-back Sam McQueen impressed after coming off the bench in the win over Burnley, meaning the 21-year-old is set to line up for his first start in one of Europe’s grandest arenas.
But just who is the latest Southampton academy product? Here are five facts about Sam McQueen.
Southampton’s Sam McQueen and FC Twente’s Hakim Ziyech in action
1) He can play as a left-back or a left winger
McQueen is a versatile player who enjoys getting forward, making him an option for either position on the left flank.
The Saints website describes McQueen as “a cultured, attack-minded player”, but he may have to reign in his attacking instincts against Inter.
2) He has been with Southampton since the age of eight
Born and raised in Southampton, McQueen was scouted by Saints at a young age and went on to represent the club throughout the age groups.
He was in a star-studded under-13 team that also included James Ward-Prowse, Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers; the youngsters claimed the runners up spot in the prestigious Dr Pepper Dallas Cup in Texas, losing out to Barcelona in the final.
Burnley’s Johann Berg Gudmundsson concedes a penalty against Southampton’s Sam McQueen
3) His Saints debut came in the FA Cup three seasons ago
McQueen had to wait a long time between his first and second Southampton appearances.
His Saints bow came in the FA Cup defeat at Sunderland in February 2014, as he replaced Adam Lallana in the closing stages, but he didn’t appear for the club’s first team again until the weekend win over Burnley.
Southampton’s Sam McQueen and FC Twente’s Hakim Ziyech in action
4) He has Football League experience
The 21-year-old spent the latter half of last season on loan at Southend United in League One, scoring two goals in 18 appearances.
He chose a good time to score his first senior goal, netting the third in Southend’s comprehensive 3-0 win over Essex rivals Colchester United.
5) He has found the net in a Saints shirt this season
McQueen has played in both of Southampton u-23’s fixtures in the much-maligned Checkatrade Trophy, scoring in their victory at Colchester. He also featured in the goalless draw at Charlton and has helped the youngsters to second place in Southern Group E.
The match in the San Siro is set to be a memorable one for everyone involved with Southampton, but perhaps none more so than McQueen if he lines up for his full debut. Make sure you catch all the action by reading our preview, which includes all the vital television information for those Saints fans not making the trip.
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