Exclusive – Le Tissier: ‘The future’s bright for Oxlade-Chamberlain’

Matt Le Tissier has told talkSPORT that Southampton youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is the real deal.

The 17-year-old prodigy has been linked with a high-profile move to Manchester United or Arsenal after impressing for the Saints this season that would see him follow in the footsteps of previous academy graduates Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale.

And Le Tissier believes that he has what it takes to go all the way, telling the Weekend Sports Breakfast: “He is very good. I was at the game last season when he made his debut against Huddersfield and I’ve seen him a couple of times this season as well and I’ve been very impressed with him.

“He’s got a lot of good ability. He’s very quick, his final delivery is good for a young boy. He’s got a good calm head on his shoulders and I’m sure his dad will do what’s right for him.”

Le Tissier also stressed the importance of automatic promotion for Nigel Adkins’ side from League One this season, adding: “That’s the main priority without any question.

“The support [at Southampton] is fantastic and they’ve got no financial troubles down there.

“Southampton need to get out of this league. We’re eight points behind Brighton as it stands and we’ve got games in hand on Bournemouth and Huddersfield who are above us.

“With the squad we’ve got down there it would be a major disappointment if we didn’t go up automatically this season.”