McQueen ready to follow in footsteps of Bale and Shaw at Saints

Gareth Bale, Luke Shaw, Wayne Bridge … Sam McQueen? Southampton’s newest left-back may have ground to make up on that famous trio of Saints academy products but he declared himself satisfied after a dream week.

The 21-year-old made his first start for Southampton last week against Inter Milan at the San Siro, six years on from when Bale scored a hat-trick for Tottenham at the iconic ground while the same age.

But though he may be a relatively late bloomer, McQueen is clearly in favour with Saints boss Claude Puel as he lasted the entire 90 minutes in the draw with Manchester City last Sunday.

 (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

And the Southampton-born youngster, who was on loan at League One’s Southend United earlier this year, is doing his best not to be swept up in the emotion of finally making his breakthrough at the club.

“I haven’t thought about it myself,” said McQueen, who only made the switch to left-back over the summer. “I think if I did, and actually pinched myself and thought about it, then I’d probably come crashing down to earth, so I don’t want to. I just want to keep enjoying it and just let it roll on.

“I’ve learned a lot. You have to learn fast in these conditions, against such good players out there – they’re world-class players, and you notice it in the game, how quick they think, and the way that they move and play football is quite amazing.

“I just want to play more and more: As tired as I am, I’m already desperate to get myself recovered to make sure that I’m ready for Wednesday (against Sunderland). I think I will be, and hopefully I can get myself another opportunity, if the manager wants, needs me, or thinks I’m ready.”