Southampton supporters were wondering what was happening when David Brooks came on for Wales in the 84th minute of their game against Poland only to depart again in the second period of extra time, well here is the answer.

Wales manager Rob Page has confirmed why David Brooks played so short a role in the game against Poland, it wasn't a tactical decision, indeed it was a surprise to most when Brooks was omitted from the starting line up.

"Brooksy has been ill since Thursday. He has not trained a minute on the grass. He was a gamble."

"Someone of Brooksy's quality, you want to get them on the pitch. We realised straight away that he didn't have a run in him."

So the answer is simple the on loan Saints player had been under the weather for the previous 5 days, as the game entered it's final stages, Page took a gamble as his team struggled to break down a resolute Polish defence and were failing to create much in the way of clear chances.

Brooks illness clearly cost Wales dearly as they went down in a penalty shootout 5-4, meaning that from a Southampton perspective it will be Jan Bednarek playing in the Euro finals and not David Brooks.

This won't be an issue to most Saints fans, however what will be worrying is that it now looks likely that Brooks will not be fit to feature in the vital game against Middlesbrough on Friday afternoon, although it should not be a major injury as Kamaldeen Sulemana, Sam Edozie and Sam Aomo-Ameyaw are all able to in the wide role, not to mention Ryan Fraser who is likely to be on the bench after returning to full training after 5 weeks on the sidelines.

Saints unlike Wales have strength in depth in the wide positions, however most Saints fans would agree we have been better with Brooks in the squad than without him of late, the hope is with a further two days rest he might just be well enough to go on the bench.

Photo: Action Images

Southampton Polls