Transfer Centre

Harrison Reed not interested in back-up role at Southampton

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 27 February 2018

Reed not interested in Southampton bench role

Harrison Reed will consider quitting Southampton in the summer as he does not intend to 'sit in the stands' upon his loan return from Norwich City.

Harrison Reed has confessed that he will ask to leave Southampton in the summer unless he features prominently in manager Mauricio Pellegrino's plans.

The 23-year-old has spent the 2017-18 campaign on loan with Norwich City in the Championship, making a healthy 32 appearances in all competitions so far.

That is in comparison to a combined 17 Premier League outings in four seasons at first-team level with Southampton prior to his temporary exit, and the former England Under-20s international does not intend to return to St Mary's to become a peripheral figure again.

"I don't feel like I want to go back to sitting in the stands, training all week and then on a Saturday not being involved," he told the Eastern Daily Press. "That's not something I want to do and I think if you asked many footballers, they would agree.

"So next season I'll look to progress again, whether that be here or we'll see what other opportunities arise. Definitely it's opened my eyes. Being at Southampton and a Premier League club is great.

"But playing in the Under-23s and not really coming up against men maybe halted my career a little bit. Some coming to Norwich and playing week in week out, getting the game time I have done has really opened my eyes and I feel like I've progressed."

Reed has played a direct part in three goals for Norwich in the second tier this term, including a late assist in the 2-2 draw against leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this month.