Southampton news: Opinion – Does Flynn Downes have Saints future?

We took on another defeat to compound more misery on this horrible season, as Saints limped out of the FA Cup fourth round to Championship high-fliers Burnley.

Saints were unable to breakthrough Scott Parker’s stubborn defence. It was the top-flight’s worst attack against the best defence in the country, so was it really a shock?

Ivan Juric fielded a strong side with one notable absence – Flynn Downes, who was left out of the squad for the second game running.

Juric was coy on his omission last week but the manager has since broken his silence on the situation, revealing that the defensive midfielder was the subject of a late bid from Ipswich Town.

Downes wanted that move, but the transfer was reportedly blocked and Juric has been unhappy with his response. He said: “It is an ugly situation because his attitude was not good. It is a little bit of a club problem, but we will see.”

Downes was a pivotal member of Russell Martin’s promotion-winning side last season, while on loan from West Ham United, and he made the move permanent by penning a four-year deal in July.

But his performances have been below par in the top-flight since then, with many fans now questioning his fee.

So what is next for Downes?

Juric insists the situation is resolvable, but it is plain to see he wishes his future is elsewhere and we will be adding his name to a long list who will be out the door in the summer.

He has a long way to go to earn back trust. If he is unwilling to give his all in the remaining 14 games, then he should continue to be ousted by Juric.

The only thing he has succeeded in doing is alienating himself from the fanbase.

Would you continue to leave him out?

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Find more from Ray Hunt at the In that Number podcast