Despite the fact Southampton are yet to win a Premier League game this season, Russell Martin knows he has a number of talented players in his ranks.
18-year-old Tyler Dibling is the most obvious example of that, but the likes of Yukinari Sugawara and Mateus Fernandes have both impressed despite Southampton‘s poor start.
Due to the competition for places in Russell Martin‘s large squad, it was deemed that a loan move for 20-year-old Shea Charles was the best course of action this season.
That is a decision that is proving a good one, with Charles impressing whilst playing on a weekly basis for Sheffield Wednesday and he was in fine form as Northern Ireland beat Bulgaria 5-0 on Tuesday night.
- READ MORE: Northern Irish media react to Southampton loanee Shea Charles’ display in 5-0 win over Bulgaria
Michael O’Neil praises Southampton loanee Shea Charles
Charles earned his 18th Northern Ireland cap as they stunned Bulgaria with a thrashing courtesy of a hat-trick from Isaac Price, an own goal and a Josh Magennis strike.
Charles provided the assist for Price’s third and was imperious at the heart of the midfield and manager Michael O’Neil reserved special praise for the 20-year-old post-match.
O’Neil said: “I thought Shea was outstanding, I have to say. Out of possession, the amount of balls he recovered and won from being second favourite. And then to use the ball the way he does.
“Shea was always a player we looked to build up passing, but his ability now to carry the ball from midfield. At this level, he looks so comfortable. He is 20 years of age and playing against (Georgi) Kostadinov who has 45 international caps.
“Shea blows players away at times. I think regular game time at club level is the thing that Shea has been lacking, and he gets that at international level. He knows he will play with us and have a lot of responsibility, and he loves it.
“It fuels him and he takes it in his stride. He is a massive player for us.”
Southampton happy with Charles’ development
As O’Neil stated, Charles playing regularly is key and that is exactly what he is doing at Sheffield Wednesday.
- READ MORE: How every Southampton player out on loan has fared so far this season, as Dom Ballard impresses
Having joined from Manchester City, last season was Charles’ first of senior football and it showed at times as he looked nervous and a little timid.
A year on loan playing every week in the Championship under a good manager in Danny Rohl will be doing the midfielder a world of good and he can then return ready to impress next pre-season.