Southampton's Eckert hopeful Downes can face Birmingham after head cut | OneFootball

Tonda Eckert says Flynn Downes remains in contention to face Birmingham City away on Tuesday after suffering a head cut in Southampton's 5-1 win over Millwall. "No, it was just a cut [above the eyebrow], so we'll try everything to get him on the pitch on Tuesday," he told the Daily Echo.

The midfielder was withdrawn at half-time, with the score at 2-1, following a clash of heads with teammate Cam Bragg. He was replaced by returning former captain James Ward-Prowse, who played the entire second half on his 411th Saints appearance.

Ward-Prowse sealed his comeback on Friday morning with a two-year contract. "I'm very happy for him being with us, a big, big presence for the experience that he brings. He knows the club inside out," said Eckert.

"Even though obviously there's a couple of things that have changed over the last few years, there are still a lot of familiar faces. I think it's just so good to have him around, and he's going to be, I think, very important for us this season."

Ward-Prowse did not take the armband, with Ryan Manning captain instead, and Leo Scienza took the penalty while he was on the pitch. Asked about a modest return, Eckert said: "Let's give that boy some time."

Source: Daily Echo

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