Le Saux ponders Old Trafford return

Le Saux ponders Old Trafford return

Le Saux returned to full training on Tuesday following a foot injury that has kept him on the sidelines for the past two months.Former England defender Le Saux has made 13 appearances, and scored one goal in a cup-tie away to Bristol City, since he joined the Saints in August in a transfer deal that saw Wayne Bridge move in the opposite direction.’Southampton has been great, I’m really enjoying it,’ said the former St Paul’s and junior and senior Muratti defender.’The season started well for me and I settled quickly.

I worked hard to get my place in the team and then, through no fault of my own, I found myself out injured.’It’s been frustrating being out but I don’t think there is any extra pressure on me getting back because I’ve done well here.

I have an element of comfort that people have formed a good opinion of me so I have nothing to prove to anyone when I return.’Injuries are frustrating and I don’t know how it happened.

I was training and I felt my foot hurting.

It was only after the warm down that I thought I might have broken a small bone because my foot was so painful.’I had a few scans and it turned out I’d pulled a couple of tendons on the outside of the foot.

Because of poor blood supply to ligaments and tendons you don’t know how long you’re going to be out as they can take any amount of time to heal.’I had a real regimental course of rehabilitation with no running.

Two months out is a long time and thankfully I’m over that hurdle now.

I’ve been running well recently and trained fully for the first time on Tuesday.’Saturday’s game against United is a high-profile game and I’d love to play.

However I must be comfortable in myself and that decision will be made on Friday.’I’ve been out for a while and if I have to miss another game to then get a run of games in, then I’ll do that.

Football is all about being involved and there’s nothing more frustrating then being injured.’Injuries apart, Le Saux is enjoying life at Southampton, a south-coast club with very good links with the Channel Islands.Guernsey’s Matt Le Tissier had a fine career there and he continues to be involved in the club’s corporate hospitality.

Jersey’s Joel Speight is currently playing in the under-17s’ team while goalkeeper Jack Jouanny was monitored only two weeks ago in the same team’s 5-2 win at Reading.Guernsey’s Ollie Smith was a trialist with the Saints before Christmas before he collapsed.

Smith is now on the way to a full recovery following corrective surgery.’I’m closer to Jersey and I really feel that because I see a lot more Jersey people around,’ said Le Saux.’Southampton have a lot of contacts and it’s great to hear footballers from Jersey and Guernsey are getting opportunities with the club.’I’ve not had much time to talk to Joel Speight but it’s an exciting time for him as he’s been offered a contract.

I did manage to see Ollie Smith before he returned to Guernsey following his illness; everyone at the club is delighted that he is okay and that he will make a full recovery.’Le Saux spoke to Jersey’s Football Development officer Brian Oliver recently.Le Saux said: ‘Brian has been telling me what is going on in Jersey and I’m impressed.

People I used to look up to in football when I was playing there are now working hard to give young footballers opportunities to get into the game.’The tie-ins at Southampton are excellent for any young budding players but it may not only be here they may come, because Jersey are also are forging strong links with clubs in France.’

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