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Hasenhuttl: Still long way to go for Southampton youngsters Lewis Payne and Dom Ballard
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has hinted at the plan for the future of talented youngsters Lewis Payne and Dom Ballard.
The duo both excelled in the Saints’ league cup victory over Cambridge United, where Hasenhuttl’s team were 3-0 victors.
However, the Austrian manager has now hinted at the future of the duo, revealing that if they remain at the club they could both play a role in the future via Hampshire Live.
He said: “Very young lads like these two guys playing for us now, they are on their way up.
“They can definitely stay longer with us waiting for the moment.
“As we have now on Tuesday night (against Cambridge), they get a chance against a lower league team to play, to have their first impact in the game which is perfect for them.
“But there is still a long way to go for them.”
Futures for Payne and Ballard?
The quotes from the Southampton manager are encouraging for the duo’s future, especially coming immediately after their impressive debuts for the club.
Both teenagers, who both came through the Southampton youth academy, had the dream starts to life in the first team, making instant impacts.
Lewis Payne, starting at right-back, was a threat throughout the game, grabbing an assist within the first 16 minutes of the game.
The 18-year-old full-back drove down the flanks and put it on a plate for Scottish striker Che Adams to poke home for the opening goal of the tie.
17-year-old Ballard was also impressive on the night, coming on as a late substitute to get onto a cross in the 88th minute to tap in the third and final goal of the evening.
It was a great night for the club, especially the youngsters and they will be hoping to build on their impressive debuts and continue to make an impact in the first-team.
In other Southampton news, Lewis Payne excelled on his Southampton debut.