Southampton powered to victory over Fulham to reach the Premier League 2 play off semi finals, but perhaps the biggest story of the day is two of the names on the team sheet who could play a big part next season.

On Saturday Dom Ballard came off the bench at half time in Cambridge United's defeat at home to Birmingham City, he didn't score in that game, but two days later he was notching a hat trick as Saints U21 side beat their Fulham counterparts 5-2 at St Mary's.

That made it 7 goals in just 3 appearances in the Saints second string this season and it has lead to some Southampton fans to make a case for his elevation to the First team in the final games of the season.

Whilst he probably could not do any worse than the other centre forwards who are currently at the club, would it be wise to throw him into the fray ?

In his loan spells this season in League One, firstly at Blackpool and then at Cambridge, he has managed just 3 goals in total plus 1 assist, hardly stats that suggest he is ready for the Premier League or either the Championship for that matter.

The lower League is littered with those that have been prolific scorers at U21 level, but have not been able to transfer that to scoring in the top two divisions in English football.

So the dilemma for Simon Rusk is whether he throws in Ballard as a wild card or leaves him with the U21's for the upcoming semi final.

The young striker only turned 20 last month so is still developing and it is a fine balance between throwing him into the deep end or nurturing him.

My feeling is that we have nothing to lose, however if in the final games we have the 3 players currently out on loan in the Championship coming back, then I would throw in Adam Armstrong before Ballard, Ronnie Edwards for Jack Stephens and Shea Charles in the centre of the midfield.

Those three could form the core of our team in the Championship next season.

Another who could be an asset next season is Juan Larios, the forgotten man of St Mary's, dogged by injury issues, he returned for a short cameo at Cardiff City in the EFL cup before being back in the treatment room.

However since returning to the U21 side back in February he has played all 5 regular season PL2 games and built up his core stamina and fitness, he too played the full 90 minutes against Fulham on Monday to continue his rehabilitation.

I would not expect Larios to be risked in a Premier League game this season, but he could be a big asset next season, with 2 years still left on his contract and still only 21, if he has overcome his fitness issues, he could well come in from the cold and star for Saints next season.

All Photos Via Reuters

kingolaf added 10:05 - May 6 Have you seen Larios play? He would be bullied by a 15 year old. Nowhere near good enough.
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Block8 added 10:11 - May 6 If the financial situation and PSR rules are to be believed for us, we are going to have to sell to stand still. Therefore the best of the U21's could play a big part next season!
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Block8 added 10:18 - May 6 Forgot to mention that two of Ballards goals came from through balls from Robinson, so maybe both should be considered?
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davenbennett added 12:11 - May 6 I saw Larios game before, V Brentford. Couldn't beat a man, unlike Abu at right back. Looked far the better prospect to me.
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andywelsh added 12:20 - May 6 I have watched Ballard’s development over the years and really hope he makes it, but since his injury at Reading he has really struggled to make an impression in the lower leagues. Worth persevering with but not looking ready for the first team yet. A good pre season under a new manager might change that.
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underweststand added 13:40 - May 6 Another good crop of U21's. Dom Ballard along with Dibling, Robinson, Bragg and Payne all came through the Academy together and may be the backbone of a future Saints side, as the Championship can provide them with game time without the challenges of top-tier football when they come up against international players in every week. Looking back to a generation when; JWP, McQueen, Stephens, Sims, Targett and Reed were the mainstay of that generation's Academy. They all made it to play Prem. football (albeit not always with Saints). It would be nice to think we might have another group who grew up together and have made their mark. IF they win their Final it provides the club with a group of talented youngsters who have already played together for a decade.

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Bowlercow added 15:11 - May 6 Some unfair comyments on Larios who I saw as an extremely quick but light weight player Some good gym time and perhaps a place in mid field as opposed to defence Get a coach who can develop this latest crop and the future could be bright again
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KilkennySaint added 04:25 - May 7 An injured Dom Ballard would do better than the crap we had upfront this season. We need to bring through some of these U21's and loaned out players, it's important we use as many players available to us who have not been involved into the embrassmemt we just called a season. Why aren't we trying the U21s now, what do we have to lose? why keep using the same losers that put us in this situation. By playing them we are not keeping then accountable, are we meant to think they are going to step us at stage of the season ? The last of ounce dignity available was on Saturday at Lecister, enough said.

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Block8 added 10:49 - May 8 We should have Matsuki (CM) & Juan (ST) coming back from loan at Goztepe? Both have had a reasonable season, that is if they are not loaned again!
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