Boost for Southampton ahead of QPR game

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert is hopeful of having at least one of Cyle Larin and Flynn Downes back for Saturday’s game against QPR at St Mary’s.

Both players missed Saints’ 3-2 win at West Ham last weekend, while Downes was also absent for the goalless draw at home to Bolton a fortnight ago.

Rangers head to the south coast on the back of their 5-0 thrashing of Championship leaders Swansea.

“I’m very positive that at least one of the two is going to make it back in the matchday squad tomorrow,” Eckert said.

He added: “It doesn’t happen so often to have a full week. We’ve had this twice now, we’ve got some good sessions in.

“I’m very happy with the training week. The challenge is to put that on the pitch tomorrow.”