Steven Caulker will start the Capital One Cup quarter final against Liverpool at St Mary's tonight in news that will please Saints supporters.

One of the baffling things about this season is why Steven Caulker has had so little game time on the pitch. In the early part of the season he was involved and looked the experienced Premier League player he is, but the all of a sudden he was out in the cold and for many games not even on the bench.

There was no comment from the club as to why this was the case.

Of course one problem for him was that Jose Fonte and Virgil Van Dijk were forming a good partnership in the centre of defence, but he was not even back up for them with Yoshida being preferred.

But after a solid hour against Manchester City off the bench on Saturday, Caulker is now set to start against Liverpool which will be good news for Saints fans who feel that Yoshida is probably not as good as Caulker.

That is not to crucify Yoshida for his mistake against City, but the fact remains that the Japanese defender in his three years at the club has never really shown that he is capable of anything other than being an OK back up.

Caulker though has three solid seasons in the Premier League behind him for Swansea, Cardiff and QPR, plus other appearances for his first club Tottenham Hotspur, he showed that he has the power and strength to play in the Premier and won an England cap in doing so

So now is the time to bring Caulker back into the fold on a permanent basis and is seems that Ronald Koeman now thinks that is the case.

"I was very pleased how Steven came onto the pitch and did a great job against City and he will start,"

"Maybe Steven is as strong as (Christian) Benteke, if he plays. And that's not a problem for Steven because he is physically a strong defender and has the confidence to start.

"Yes, of course (he had to be patient). Maybe he had some difficulties in the beginning and of course Jose was in front and Virgil (van Dijk) in front in both positions Steven can play.

"I'm not a manager who changes a lot if the team is doing well, but always the question to the players is when they get the chance, you have to take it.

"That's also the reason after Saturday that I said to Steven he will start."

Photo: Action Images

schatfield added 09:14 - Dec 2 I would say his starting is more due to his physical size (Yoshi not so big), rather than anything else. If Benteke was not in the squad, then I think Yoshi would still be picked ahead of Caulker sadly, which is a shame.
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davenbennett added 09:37 - Dec 2 I have found 3 references to him being nicked. On 5 November 2011, Caulker was arrested for a public order offence after an incident in Swansea city centre. He was issued with a fixed penalty notice and later released. He then was talked to for not paying for some Philadelphia cheese in a Tesco's but "misunderstanding" and no charge. In March fined £1,000 for "vile" verbal abuse towards doorman. Ii think we can say he could have a bit of a drink problem.

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IWOZTHERE added 09:42 - Dec 2 I think most people have been surprised by how few appearances he's made. Rumour was that he liked 'partying' a bit too much?
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redwight added 10:23 - Dec 2 Now all we need to hear is that he has decided play a right back at right back.
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Mel_Kenny added 11:25 - Dec 2 Great in the air, less majestic on the floor, one of the aimless ball culprits against Midtjylland...no doubt will have improved on that since then and be well rounded tonight!
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Whatsforpud added 16:08 - Dec 2 Not baffling at all, Nick. Think most would agree that Fonte and Van Dijk are the best partnership. When you have a good partnership at the back, you tend to keep it.
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dirk_doone added 23:37 - Dec 2 "One of the baffling things about this season is why Steven Caulker has had so little game time on the pitch." You were the only one who was baffled, Nick. Basically, it's because he's slow, unfit and cr@p.
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