LESLEY Ugochukwu believes starlet Joachim Kayi Sanda can claim a starting spot for Saints if he works hard enough in pre-season.

Ugochukwu, who spent last season on loan at Saints, developed a brotherly relationship with Kayi Sanda, following the 18 year old's arrival in January.

Kayi Sanda featured off the bench in Southampton's last two games of the Premier League campaign and has already been watched by new boss Will Still.

Ugochukwu has been impressed by his countryman ever since he moved to the south coast from Valenciennes, and has challenged him to grab a senior role.

“We have a big brother, little brother relationship," the Chelsea midfielder told the Daily Echo before the end of his loan spell.

"He is someone who has very good quality. If he has a good pre-season, I think he will be able to fight for his position.

“Everyone saw this season, during training, that he was able to be a part of the team. Even in the game against Everton, I thought he did well."

Although he does not turn 19 until late November, Kayi Sanda has already made 38 senior appearances across France's second and third tiers.

The French youth international faces stiff competition at centre-back, even though Jan Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis could depart this summer.

Southampton's Joachim Kayi Sanda is targeting a regular spot in the first-team.Southampton's Joachim Kayi Sanda is targeting a regular spot in the first-team. (Image: Stuart Martin) READ: Exciting Southampton starlet wants senior role next season

Joshua Quarshie has been signed from Hoffenheim, Ronnie Edwards is set to return from his loan at QPR, and club captain Jack Stephens remains under contract for another year.

Kayi Sanda is ready for the challenge and admitted he learned a lot from his Premier League debut against the Toffees, which came in their final game at Goodison Park.

The teenager feels he has progressed well since joining Saints, and puts that down to positive training sessions with Southampton's first team.

"I learned a lot training with the first team because I came from the second and third division in France into the Premier League," he confessed.

Joachim Kayi Sanda has scored three goals at St Mary's for the under-21s.Joachim Kayi Sanda has scored three goals at St Mary's for the under-21s. (Image: Craig Hobbs/Southampton FC) "I have learned a lot, and I have progressed. Now I will focus on the next season and see what I can do then. All people want to play for the first team. I will work a lot, and I pray."

His mentor Ugochukwu has been impressed by the young defenders' development, too, but pointed out where Kayi Sanda needs to continue growing.

“It’s for him to work hard and get the position. He has the physical attributes, but football is also about the mental and technical stuff," the 21 year old added.

“There is a lot that you need to take part in football. It’s down to him to work hard and trust the staff. If he does well enough, I’m sure that he can play as much as he wants."