MIDFIELDER Mateus Fernandes has backed Juan Larios to play with the first team upon his full recovery from injury.

Larios has endured two and a half horrible years of fitness problems, encountering several setbacks since his initial serious injury against Newcastle United in November 2022.

The Spaniard is now building his fitness with the under-21s once more and has enjoyed a run of three consecutive games.

He managed 45 minutes in a 3-3 draw against Sunderland before playing 65 minutes against both Wolves and Middlesbrough.

Larios made a rare appearance for Saints as a late substitute at Cardiff City in August but returned to the treatment room soon after.

Fernandes dubbed his pal Larios a "very good player" but the 21 year old is not a part of Ivan Juric's current plans.

Juan Larios did not play a single senior game for Saints last season.Juan Larios did not play a single senior game for Saints last season. (Image: PA)"He is a very good player and a very good guy," Fernandes told the Daily Echo when asked about the young left-back's recovery.

"He helped me a lot when I first arrived at the club. He needs some minutes and I think he can play with us."

Larios remains strongly admired in his native Spain and Saints staff would not be surprised to see him land an exciting move should he remain fit until the end of the season.

He helped Fernandes settle on the South Coast following his summer move from Portuguese giants Sporting.

Both are Spanish speakers and Larios even helped Fernandes improve his English in a bid to play a bigger role in dressing room discussions.

Saints full-back Welington during his debut at Ipswich Town.Saints full-back Welington during his debut at Ipswich Town. (Image: PA).A few months later, Fernandes finds himself in a similar position with winter arrival Welington, a fellow Portuguese speaker.

"He is trying to learn more English and I'm trying to help," Fernandes added when asked about his relationship with the former Sao Paulo left-back. 

"He is a nice guy and he has played really well. Everything is new for him, the language, the weather.

"We try to do our best and play well. I live in Ocean Village but he is over in Winchester, but at the club we are always spending time together."