Southampton boss eases injury worry after huge win over Millwall

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert is hopeful Flynn Downes to be available for Tuesday’s game against Birmingham after the midfielder suffered a nasty cut during the Saints’ 5-1 victory over Millwall.

Downes was replaced by James Ward-Prowse at half-time, with the returning Southampton midfielder making an immediate impression following his comeback to the club.

Eckert confirmed Downes’ injury is not expected to be a serious issue.

“No, it was just a cut [above the eyebrow], so we’ll try everything to get him on the pitch on Tuesday,” Eckert said.

Ward-Prowse completed his return to Southampton on Friday, signing a two-year contract, and Eckert believes the experienced midfielder will prove a major asset to the squad this season.

“I’m very happy for him being with us, a big, big presence for the experience that he brings,” Eckert said.

“He knows the club inside out.

“Even though obviously there’s a couple of things that have changed over the last few years, there are still a lot of familiar faces.

“I think it’s just so good to have him around, and he’s going to be, I think, very important for us this season.”