“He has great potential” – Southampton head coach lauds Nigeria-eligible Lesley Ugochukwu

Southampton's new head coach, Ivan Juric, has praised Chelsea loanee, Lesley Ugochukwu, revealing his plans to utilize the Nigeria-eligible midfielder in the second half of the season, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Saints are currently bottom of the English top flight and it is looking increasingly likely that they'll be heading back to the EFL Championships when the season draws its curtains in May.

Ugochukwu was sent on loan to Southampton in August to help him develop into a mature footballer, but struggled for game time at the St. Mary's, starting just three games from nineteen.

The 20-year-old did not play a minute of football in Russell Martin's final four Premier League games but has been re-integrated under Juric.

Juric, who replaced Martin Russell on December 21st, has quenched rumours of Ugochukwu terminating his loan spell. The Croatian gaffer praised the young midfielder and highlighted his plan for the Frenchman.

“I want him to stay here. He has great potential. The people from Chelsea are not stupid. He is a really young guy, 20 years old and it's not always easy to work with youngsters. I think he has really good potential. He didn't play before and now he is playing and I think he has great potential.

We have others that can do it much better than before. Kamaldeen Sulemana is another example. I think Bella-Kotchap is working hard but he is not yet ready. I think we have to use everybody and try to work with everybody and they can give us something. Lesley and Sulemana are good players,” the former Roma boss said in quotes revealed by Daily Echo.

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The Saints return to action as they welcome Brentford to the St. Mary's. Southampton are eight points off 19th place Leicester City.

Ugochukwu is yet to receive a call-up to the French senior team, and is eligible to play for the Super Eagles.