Full-back Lloyd James is hoping his impressive pre-season will force him into Jan Poortvliet's first-team plans at Southampton this season.The 20-year-old, who can also operate in midfield, has played regularly for the reserve and youth teams since joining the club but has yet to make his senior debut.

But under new coach Jan Poortvliet, the Wales Under-21 international has figured prominently in pre-season with impressive performances against Celtic, Cheltenham and Hereford.

"I've been waiting for a good four years now since I've been at the club and hopefully if I get my chance I can take it and progress from there," he told the club's official website.

"I know how much of a fight it is in football to get that start. It's a short career so as soon as I get my break I just need to show I'm good enough to play.

"You don't know how many chances you're going to get so when you do get one you've got to take it with both hands and grab it by the scruff opt the neck."

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