Saints have sent out two of their rising stars to League One promotion chasing clubs on loan.

Lloyd Isgrove and Jack Stephens are heading for confrontation with both being shipped out on loan to join the League One promotion chase, Isgrove is joining Peterborough United who currently sit in 6th with 55 points, whilst Stephens is off to Swindon Town who are part of the chasing pack and sit 9th some 8 points behind, although Posh have a great advantage as they have a game in hand, if they win that then 11 points ahead with 10 games to play is a big ask for Swindon.

It could be a make or break time for both players, Isgrove has just turned 21 and so far has only 2 first team appearances to his name, last season he came on as sub in the League Cup at Leeds and this season he started against Barnsley in the same competition.

Stephens is a year younger and sigend for the club 3 years ago after making his League Debut for Plymouth, however at St Mary's he has found opportunities very limited and so far hasnt managed a single appearance in any competition.

Both are at the stage now when they really should have League experience to their name and a loan spell isn the best way to do this.

Stephens signed a four year deal last summer and being a central defender at 20 is still a little young, he can now go out and show he has the talent and composure to challenge for a first team place next season.

Isgrove is probably getting to the point where his future may lie away from St Mary's at 21 he should now either be on the fringes of breaking into the first team or the reality is he is unlikely to do so and he is blocking those coming through behind him.

Like Ben Reeves a year ago he has talent, but if he isnt ready now for the Premier League it is probably in the best interests of both player and club to part company.

His move to Peterborough though gives him the opportunity to impress and although that might not be enough to persuade Saints to offer him another deal, it could make it easier for him to get another club if he is released.

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