Prutton has bent it like Beckham

Last updated : 13 September 2005 By Chris C

He was injured during the 1-1 draw with QPR on Saturday and had to be substituted, allowing Kosowski on for his Saints debut. Ironically, Kosowski’s highly promising debut may well have cost Prutton his place against Ipswich if he had been fit.

With Kosowski on the left and Belmadi on the right, Saints looked more balanced with both players comfortable on their respective sides. Prutton has been his usual industrious self this season, but has struggled to provide the goals and assists that the team requires from its wide players.

True he has given Hajto good protection and a solid look to the right hand side, but with Saints looking to break down sides, particularly at home, the combined threat of Kosowski and Belmadi may be Harry’s favoured formation.

Also with the likes of Dyer, Walcott and maybe even new signing St Juste another month down the line in their development, it may find it a battle to get back into the side. No doubt competition for places will bring out the best in those holding onto the shirt and hopefully even help Prutton return to the kind of form that he showed in Saints 2-0 victory over Liverpool last season.