Still explains why Ramsdale was not in Southampton squad at Eastleigh

The 27 year old was present at Silverlake Stadium, warming up with goalkeepers Alex McCarthy and Gavin Bazunu, but not selected to play.

England hopeful Ramsdale was given extended summer leave and only returned to pre-season training at Staplewood earlier this week.

Meanwhile, he remains hopeful of a move back to the Premier League this summer, as first detailed by Saints owner Dragan Solak in June.

Ramsdale has been recently linked to interest from Sunderland and West Ham, but Still insists his non-selection not to do with his uncertain future.

After the narrow 2-1 win at Eastleigh, Still said: "I'll never pick a squad or choose players based on rumours and transfer speculation at all.

Saints manager Will Still spoke to the Daily Echo (Image: Stuart Martin)

"He's only been in the building for three or four days and at the same time, Jan Bednarek is back, Ronnie Edwards is back.

"But also they weren't involved because of that. We'll work people in as they come back in, they need to be physically ready and fit.

"Ryan Manning is another example where we've still got some catching up to do on the first 10 days we have done, so that's where we're at."

Ramsdale could be involved when Saints host Gillingham and Valenciennes in behind-closed-doors friendlies this week - on Tuesday and Friday.

Saints then travel to Girona, Spain, for a pre-season training camp on Monday, July 21, playing Espanyol on Saturday, July 26, before returning.

Bednarek and Edwards were also given extended time off this summer, following their involvement in international matches last month.