Puel should axe these 3 Southampton players in January

Jack Stephens

Another player, like McCarthy, who could do with a loan spell away from St Mary’s to aid his development.

The 22-year-old has yet to make an appearance in the first team this season, and doesn’t really look like making one any time soon such is the defensive quality which the Saints possess.

He’s played for England at every youth level up from the Under-18’s, and was part of the Under-21’s team that won the Toulon Tournament earlier this year.

He has had previous loan spells at Plymouth Argyle, Swindon Town, and Coventry City, so maybe it’s time to drop down a division or two again to help his progression.