A BASINGSTOKE footballer has played his first match in the Premier League just 24 hours after his 20th birthday.
Will Smallbone helped Southampton secure a two-nil win over Aston Villa on Saturday.
The young player almost marked his first match with a goal when he struck a post via deflection in the opening stages.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl described Smallbone as an up-and-coming star.
"It's important for me that even under pressure, you can give a young lad a chance," the manager said.
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