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Reed: Southampton to place trust in academy

As Southampton chases UEFA Europa League qualification, Les Reed says the club will place its faith in the academy next season.

Southampton sporting director Les Reed says the club will rely mainly on academy products next season, should it be faced with the extra games that UEFA Europa League qualification would bring.

Ronald Koeman's side has coped admirably with a preseason overhaul, which saw the Dutchman appointed as Mauricio Pochettino's replacement while a number of key players departed.

With three games remaining, Southampton looks well placed to at least seal a playoff berth for a return to European competition for the first time since the 2003-04 campaign.