SAINTS plan to loan out young forward Dom Ballard following his recovery from a long-term injury.

The 19 year old saw his loan spell at Reading cut short last season when he suffered a patella injury, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign.

Ballard scored five goals in 12 appearances under former Saints boss Ruben Selles at Reading last season.

Ballard is back with the under-21s and marked his on-field return with a goal in a friendly against local non-league side AFC Totton.

Saints are keen for the England youth international to play regular first team football in the best environment for his development.

Senior manager Russell Martin told the Daily Echo: "He had a big injury last year and he was in a really good place and now he needs to go out and play every week.

"He's beyond under-21s football, he scores every time he plays for them. For his development and for us, he needs to go out and play football every week.

"Now it's about choosing the right environment for Dom and making sure he's fully fit. He's got through pre-season really well after a big injury.

"He's worked so hard. It's a testament to him and his character."

Southampton have sanctioned loan moves for a number of under-21s players this summer with Nico Lawrence and Cam Bragg the latest players to depart.

Saints expect to loan out more under-21 players but are conscious of ensuring Simon Rusk is left with a strong squad.

Martin is keen to see players join the right environment for their development as players and people.

Nico Lawrence has joined MK Dons on loan for the seasonNico Lawrence has joined MK Dons on loan for the season (Image: Southampton FC)

He spoke to Lawrence for half an hour to help the young defender choose his next destination, which turned out to be MK Dons.

"We've got a lot of interest in the players. A lot of interest in a lot of the players," Martin added. 

"We need to make sure it's right for them. So with Nico, we had double digits (of) clubs (interested in him).

"League 1 and League 2. I think initially he felt going straight to League 1, it's better than League 2.

"But it's about the fit. Obviously, I'm biased because Big Mike (Williamson) is one of my very best friends in the world.

"And I know he'll look after him. The style they play is so similar to ours and it will suit Nico a lot, the environment.

"It's a really good club. It's a chance for him to go out and play football. If you look at some of the loans they've had there over the years, they have a brilliant record for development.

"So I think it was perfect for him. I said to him, it's his decision. I don't have advice, but if it was me, what would I be looking for? MK ticks every box."