Southampton will replace Ryan Bertrand with Matt Targett for Fulham trip

Southampton manager Mark Hughes says he will replace suspended captain Ryan Bertrand with Matt Targett for Saturday’s trip to Fulham.

Targett was on loan at the Cottagers last season, helping Fulham on their way back to the Premier League and was a key part of their 23-game unbeaten run which saw them earn a playoff spot in the Championship.

The young left-back also featured in both victorious playoff fixtures against Derby County and Aston Villa to earn promotion.

”We’re fortunate we’ve got somebody of the quality of Matty Targett to come in, so it’s an obvious choice and it’s one that I’ll make, as long as he comes through training,” said Hughes before the game.

”We’re very fortunate that we’ve got Matt. He knows the level and has played at this level many, many times.

”He’ll come in and he’ll equip himself very, very well. He’s going up against a team that he knows and a place where he’s played many times, so he’ll have a good feeling going into the game.

”I just sense Matt, along with everybody else, is really looking forward to the game.”

It’s a big game for Targett and Hughes. Southampton currently sit 17th in the Premier League table, precariously above the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Fulham are rock bottom of the league in 20th.

This is a must-win game for both sides so early into the season.