Debutant Bragg would work another decade to play for Southampton again

Most in football will never know - some studies estimate less than one per cent of players in Premier League academies will make their debut at a professional level. 

First professional contract. Captaining his team. Senior debut. In the last 12 months, Cam Bragg, a lifelong Saints fan, has been hitting targets.

The midfielder, at 19 years, two months and nine days old, made his Saints debut in the FA Cup after more than a decade with the club.

Those 10 minutes in the 4-0 win over League Two Walsall have only focused Bragg's sights. 

He told the Daily Echo: "That moment makes 11 years of work worth it, and I would work another 11 years to live that moment again.

Cam Bragg made his Saints debut earlier this month in the FA Cup victory over League Two Walsall (Image: Stuart Martin)

"I hope it will become a regular thing but truthfully it has only made me hungry for more. 

"The opportunity those men get week in and week out is unbelievable, it's so top, and it inspires me to get there."

Bragg explained: "I felt really good. Of course, there were nerves - but I have done it so many times in training, that is what I kept telling myself.

"Even the way the gaffer (Russell Martin) handled it when I was coming on, he just made me feel confident going onto the pitch.

"He said, 'There is no need to be nervous, you have done it 1,000 times in training and got it right 999 times, today will be no different'.

"I think there was about 11 or 12 actions in as many minutes so that was nice. 

"I was pleased but I did imagine if I had scored or assisted. You cannot be too critical - it was a nice debut and welcome."

The last time Bragg spoke to us was in the bowels of West Ham's London Stadium - after a 6-1 loss in an FA Youth Cup semi-final.

At the time, the youngster was hardly consolable. That run, however, was a launching pad for development for most of the under-18 team.

Cam Bragg can already boast Under-18 Premier League South and Premier League 2 Division Two winners medals (Image: Southampton FC)

A confident ball-playing six or eight, Bragg's development has only accelerated following the philosophy ushered in by Martin.

Bragg said: "It's massive credit to the gaffer at the moment and the style he has brought in, it has been a nice period for the fans.

"There was maybe a short period where they didn't trust it but they see it now, how unbelievable the style and the culture he has created are.

"It's also huge credit to the under-21s staff for getting us to play this way and we're all loving it - but we are not there yet.

"The gaffer has instilled a focus on being brave, irrelevant of the detail and stuff like that I trust myself to play out the back. 

"Hopefully, if I ever step onto the pitch to start a first-team game I have ironed out my mistakes and I am as good a player as I can be." 

Bragg's Saints journey began at eight years old, going on to sign his first pro deal 10 years later in the summer of 2023. 

Cam Bragg walks his Saints team out at Snows Stadium (Image: Southampton FC)

The inspiration from his Saints-supporting father came sooner and his older brother - Tom - is also a local footballer. 

Tom, 21, currently at Salisbury, made six National League appearances for Eastleigh after progressing through their elite development squad. 

"My mum and dad have been amazing with it as well so I am so appreciative of them for that," Bragg insisted. 

"My dad has always loved football, always dreamed of playing, and loves Southampton - it's really nice being at the club he has always supported.

"Having an older brother like Tom has been unbelievable as well - we get on well. We would play and train together growing up.

Buzzing to sign a new contract with @EastleighFC
Hard work starts now! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/aBYNnEvGjj

— tom bragg (@tombragg19) February 8, 2022

"He has been able to teach me loads about what it's like to play for teams like Eastleigh, where it's not the same environment as here."

Bragg scored his first goal in the professional development phase (under-18s to under-21s) last time out in Premier League 2.

In a 3-2 defeat to Spurs, Luke Pearce won a spot-kick and wanted to take while 15 year old sensation Alejandro Gomes also claimed it.

There was no question in Bragg's mind about who would be stepping up and the captain pulled rank to cap off a fine start to 2024. 

Goal! It’s 1-1. Captain Cam Bragg steps up to score a penalty.

Luke Pearce won it and wanted it. Ale Gomes wanted it too. Bragg said no.#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/RZE43rrIcq

— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) January 12, 2024

The youngster, who is also eligible to represent Scotland, will likely captain the under-21s again as they face Celtic tonight. 

Bragg could then be involved in Martin's squad for this weekend's FA Cup fourth round trip to Championship rivals Watford.

Bragg said: "I have become really integrated into the group.

"Will Smallbone has been good with me. He is someone who has played academy football and has been a friendly face.

"I have shared some experiences with Shea Charles having played each other, and Flynn (Downes) for me has been unbelievable.

"I watch clips of him all the time, I learn loads off him and how intense he is against the ball - he is a top lad and keen to answer questions."

Speaking about Bragg earlier in the season, Martin described how he would go back from first-team sessions to coach his teammates. 

Bragg continued: "I have been with the first team a lot lately but initially, I was drip-fed in and out. I think of myself as a good learner.

Cam Bragg is a regular in first team training sessions at Staplewood (Image: Southampton FC)

"His style resonates with me so I was in a good position to head back down and teach the boys, pass on some information that I learned. 

"The system takes a lot of courage, keeping the ball centrally, keeping it inside, and opening up the middle of the pitch." 

Although it has been a dream start to 2024, Bragg is reluctant to set too many specific targets for the year ahead. 

With the introduction of new signing Joe Rothwell to Martin's midfield ranks, it is possible he does not feature again this season. 

"I have never set too many goals and that's not because I am not ambitious, but things change so quickly," he admitted. 

"At the moment, it is to just be around the first team as much as possible. I am still physically growing and taking information.

"The early part of this year is going to be a huge time for my development and I want to become a more complete athlete."

Bragg continued: "Whether the gaffer thinks I am ready or not, or whether the club wants me to go on loan, I am honestly not sure.

"I trust them so I just need to keep developing and see what happens - injuries could happen and I could be needed around all the time.

"Or Flynn, Shea, Will, and all the boys can keep having an unbelievable season and it will be tough - and that will be fine."