SHEA Charles is due back at Staplewood after Southampton opted to recall the midfielder from his season-long loan at Sheffield Wednesday last week.

Charles remained at Hillsborough for seven days after the recall due to a clause in his contract and played his final game for the Owls against Bristol City on Wednesday evening.

He was withdrawn at half-time on a yellow card and Wednesday went on to draw 2-2 after Ross McCrorie scored a late equaliser.

After the game, manager Danny Rohl admitted Wednesday have a 50-50 chance of re-signing the 21 year old, with city rivals Sheffield United also credited with interest.

It's no surprise the German coach is desperate to keep his prized loan asset. Charles' teammate Di’Shon Bernard described him as their "first, second and third"  best player this season.

During his time in South Yorkshire, Charles has scored his first senior goal, won several individual accolades, and was named Northern Ireland's youngest captain.

He has started to blossom into a player worthy of the £15million Saints paid Manchester City in the summer of 2023, but his immediate future at Saints is unknown.

Although Ivan Juric suggested Charles will "start working with us", the Croatian already has a lot of options in midfield and was forced to leave Adam Lallana out of the squad at Forest. 

Shea Charles has previously admitted he would like to stay at Wednesday until the end of the season.Shea Charles has previously admitted he would like to stay at Wednesday until the end of the season. (Image: PA) The reason he departed in the first place was to play senior football every week. It's better to play every week in the Championship than be an option in the Premier League was former boss Russell Martin's sentiment whenever quizzed about a potential recall.

However, with Saints rock bottom of the table, Charles may convince Juric that he is ready to step up to the Premier League.

The 23-time Northern Ireland international has won the most tackles (42), made the most blocks (35) and attempted the second-most passes (1,003).

The recent struggles endured by Flynn Downes, who kept Charles out of the starting lineup in the Championship last season, may open a window into the first-team squad.

Southampton's Shea Charles (left) and Flynn Downes (right) Southampton's Shea Charles (left) and Flynn Downes (right) (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson) Juric recently confessed that Downes "didn't do well" against Nottingham Forest - leading to his half-time withdrawal - before insisting he is capable of playing in the Premier League.

The 26 year old has committed 37 fouls this season - more than any other Saints player - and is one yellow card away from a two-match ban.

With loanee Lesley Ugochukwu now seemingly set to stay until the end of the season, it becomes less clear where Charles would fit in this side.

Part of the reason they decided to recall him was due to a deadline in his loan deal, meaning they could not terminate his loan after midnight on Wednesday, January 15

If Chelsea were to recall Ugochukwu after that deadline, Saint would have been left in a lurch had they not acted beforehand.

Charles could depart on loan again. Saints have always left the door open for Wednesday to strike another loan deal, with the St Mary's side receiving more favourable terms.

Southampton's squad to face Newcastle United may indicate Charles' future. Leaving him out of the squad may suggest another loan move is imminent.

He will not be eligible to play for another club this season - that being Saints or Sheffield Wednesday - should he play any of Southampton's upcoming fixtures.

Charles is under contract until 2027 and remains a key part of their long-term future. With another season in the Championship likely approaching, that is even more pertinent. There should be no rush to get him in the first team every week.

Remaining in the Championship until the end of the season could give Saints an even better player come the start of the 2025/26 campaign.