Abbott staying patient and ready at Saints

Abbott made his second appearance for Saints on loan from Nottingham Forest after Schlotterbeck's shoulder injury, and says he's ready to seize his opportunity.

Zach Abbott, the 20-year-old centre-back on loan at Southampton from Nottingham Forest since September, has had limited playing time with just two appearances and one 45-minute spell before last weekend. He came into action during Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Preston after Keven Schlotterbeck dislocated his shoulder early in the match.

Abbott told BBC Radio Solent he is staying "patient and ready" while waiting for his chance. "No one's happy when they don't play as many minutes," he said, "but what it's really taught me is staying patient around a top group and making sure that I'm ready every single day."

Manager Tonda Eckert confirmed Schlotterbeck is likely to miss upcoming games with the shoulder injury, potentially opening the door for Abbott after the international break.

Southampton sit seventh in the Championship, five points off the automatic promotion places after 15 matches. Abbott praised the club's facilities, staff and mentality, saying: "There's a real mentality to go and win the league. I want to play minutes and want to get on the pitch more, and I just need to make sure that I'm putting in the performances."