Matt Targett has gone to Fulham on loan and whilst it is an opportunity for him to get in games, it is strange that we have allowed him to go with the team in such a desperate position.

Saints are well covered at left back, apart from Ryan Bertrand they also have Matt Targett and Sam McQueen, normally this would look a good move, Targett is clearly considered the second choice in the position, but after a long time out injured he needs game time and this seems to be a move to give him that.

But with Saints position perilous at the moment and Ryan Bertrand always a little suceptible to niggling injuries it could be one that backfires on us, Sam McQueen is essentially a winger converted to a full back and has been used mainly in the cup competitions over the past two years.

This season he has started only one League game the draw at Manchester United and other than that in the Premier League he has only 36 minutes game time in 4 sub appearances spread over the season. Targett himself has only played twice since returning from injury in December, but has still ammassed more game time than McQueen in those two appearances.

The surprise was that it wasn't McQueen shipped out, that seemed to be the case a week or so ago, but the focus seems to have changed, a sign of either confidence or stupidity.

In the longer term it will probably benefit Targett to spend time out on loan and get some experience under his belt that injury has prevented him from getting in the past two years due to injury.

Photo: Action Images

sidsaint added 10:48 - Jan 22 Hope it's one of those loans where we can get him back in case of emergency.
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Daisy_cutter added 12:03 - Jan 22 He needs game time so I say its worth the risk with Sam as backup
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SanMarco added 12:40 - Jan 22 Is there a recall option - we are only 2 injuries away from poor old Yoshi playing there.
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A_Saint_in_Stoke added 14:21 - Jan 22 The surprise was that it wasn't McQueen shipped out, that seemed to be the case a week or so ago, but the focus seems to have changed, a sign of either confidence or stupidity. Stupidity - Am pleased for Matt to get some game time ... but I would have rather seen McQueen shipped out.
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underweststand added 14:49 - Jan 22 I think this is the right decision. Matt T. has reached the stage of his career where he knows he can play at Prem.level, but there is no way he will displace Bertrand. Fulham are a side looking for a play-oof place and if he gets game time with them, then it'll be a win-win situation for everyone. I'm happy with McQueen as back-up fro Bertrand (incidentally to author) Sam started as a full back...before being converted to a front man after his Academy days, so going back to being a fullback is nothing new for him. Players in his generation like; Reed, Seager and Gallagher need this type of experience if they are going to make the grade and I was reminded recently that Harry Kane had different 4 loan-outs to Championship clubs before he returned to Spurs at age 22. Um... wonder what happened to him ?

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dirk_doone added 18:02 - Jan 22 Will we get a Day 23 story tomorrow? So far we've got rid of van Dijk and Targett. Who is favourite to go on deadline day? I reckon Gabbiadini.
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A1079 added 22:23 - Jan 22 I wish we showed the same level of guile and motivation in recruiting players as we seemingly are in off loading our players.
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