Nathan Redmond: Southampton academy promises bright future

Nathan Redmond believes Southampton's future is in safe hands with the young players that are breaking into the first team.

While Saints have sold a number of key players in recent years, there has been a steady stream of academy graduates making it into the Premier League.

Josh Sims, Sam McQueen, Harrison Reed and Jack Stephens are just some of the Southampton academy players to make it into the first team recently.

"The club does give opportunity to players," Redmond told Sky Sports. "I played at Norwich for a few seasons and did well then came here and it has given me the opportunity to play carefree and enjoy my football.

"Prowsey [James Ward-Prowse] has had a long run in the team and done well, Sam McQueen has come through, Matt Targett, Jack Stephens have come in and done really well, then you have the senior players like Fraser [Forster], Charlie [Austin] and Ryan [Bertrand].

"There is a great bunch of English players and we are technically good players. It's good for the future of the club."

Redmond is currently away at the European U21 Championship, with England playing their final group match on Thursday against hosts Poland.

Live UEFA European Under-21s Championship Football

Southampton, meanwhile, are yet to appoint a replacement for Claude Puel, who was sacked after one season in charge.

Puel was criticised at times for his rotation during the season with Southampton, and Redmond said: "No player wants to not start, you dream of starting in the Premier League.

"It gives you good options as a manager but at the same time as players you don't really bicker because you see each other day in, day out and it's not your fault. The team selection is down to the manager. "

Watch England U21s v Poland U21s live on Sky Sports on Thursday or follow on www.skysports.com