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Hall looking for Saints chance

By Paul Higham

SOUTHAMPTON new boy Fitz Hall is hoping to challenge for a first-team place at St Mary's as an injury to Claus Lundekvam may hand him an unexpected chance to shine in Sweden.

With Lundekvam out with a stomach infection, the new arrival from Oldham has the chance to shine during Southampton's trip to Sweden.

The giant defender may be thrust into the action by Saints boss Gordon Strachan and is hoping to make a challenge to be included in the starting XI in The Premiership.

"I'm not sure how long Claus is going to be out but maybe that will give me the chance of a couple of games in Sweden," Hall told the club website.

"If so then hopefully I can make a good impression to put myself in the reckoning although I know I have a long way to go.

"Of course I would love to play in the first team straight away but I can't expect to push anyone aside.

"It is up to me to show what I can do and just put myself in the frame."

The 22-year-old was plucked out of non-league football by Latics boss Iain Dowie, but the dire financial strife at Boundary Park meant that they had no choice but to accept the £250,000 bid from Southampton.

Hall has been amazed at his rise from non-league to The Premiership, but knows he has a lot to learn about top-flight football.

"It has all happened very fast for me and I am still learning the game.

"I have only just come out of non-league so I will have to take my time.

"But I know Southampton are a club who give youngsters a chance so hopefully I can impress and earn a go at some point."

Despite interest from Cardiff City and Everton, Hall had set his heart on a move to the South Coast, and spurned David Moyes's late push to sign him.

"I had spoken to Cardiff and I knew Everton had come in at the last minute but I had already made my mind up.

"When I knew Southampton were in for me and I spoke to the manager and saw the stadium and the training ground then I knew it was right for me.

"They are a quality club and I could not be more happy to be coming here.

"They have a great set-up, they are in Europe and reached the FA Cup final and there is a terrific set of players.

"They are all quality and have made me very welcome and I am looking forward to getting going now."