Chala's chances

It's fair to say that not too many people had heard of Kleber Chala when he arrived at the club. With the attention surrounding the signing of striker Agustin Delgado, many assumed that Chala was a makeweight in the deal and simply brought over to keep Delgado company. Since then he's shown himself to be a very useful player and we've learnt and seen a lot more of his international pedigree for Ecuador. Operating in the centre or right of midfield Chala is not far behind a first team opportunity and the main problem is one of language rather than skill. Chala himself seems very confident he can make an impact at the club. Kleber said: "I am a very ambitious player. I am never completely satisfied with my performance and I am keen to work harder in every game I play.

"It is important for me to get in first team at Southampton in time for the World Cup. There is a risk if I am playing for the reserve team that I might not have a first team place for Ecuador in the World Cup."

"I am happy in Southampton," added Chala. " I feel very happy with the club, with the chairman, and with management who have given me lots of support. I have no reason to complain, I am very happy here.

"It is difficult when you are not playing constantly. For sure I played with a lot of appetite tonight, I had the urge to play well for Southampton.

"It helped that I was able to play for my country against Turkey last week. I feel I play better at international level because I have an understanding with the players I am playing with.

"At Southampton they are a great bunch of lads who work hard for each other.

"But it is not the same playing for the reserves as it is for the first team. I hope that opportunity will crop up eventually."