Former England defender says Southampton loanee is 'thriving'

The 21 year old centre-back has emerged as one of Southampton's top players as they hunt promotion back to the Premier League.

Harwood-Bellis joined Saints on loan with a £20million obligation to buy should Russell Martin's side get out of the Championship this season.

The Man City starlet has already won promotion to the Premier League, picking up a Championship winner's medal at Burnley last campaign. 

Richards, who made 246 appearances for Man City, praised the England under-21 captain following Southampton's 3-1 win over Swansea City.

Speaking on The Rest is Football Podcast, Richards said: "Harwood-Bellis, yes! He was at Burnley! Burnley, yes!”

Taylor Harwood-Bellis wants to stay at Southampton next season - if they achieve promotion (Image: Stuart Martin)

“He was at the back and he was brilliant in there and I thought he might actually get a move to the Premier League,

"A Premier League loan, to be honest, but he’s a quality player, centre-half and it’s good to see him doing well.

"It’s difficult for a young player to play centre-half when there’s so much responsibility on him but he’s thriving. He’ll be a very good Premier League player one day.”

Harwood-Bellis has made 23 appearances for Saints in all competitions this season, scoring twice and assisting a further two goals. 

The youngster has helped Saints to nine clean sheets, with eight of those coming during the 20-game league unbeaten run.