Smallbone on injury return and cup progression

Will Smallbone, who played in Southampton’s resounding Emirates FA Cup victory over Swansea, said he was “very happy” to be back on the pitch after a long hiatus.

Smallbone, who had been sidelined for three months, received a warm welcome when he played the last half of the Saints’ 3-0 victory over their Welsh rivals.

A brace from Tyler Dibling and an outstanding first goal from Kamaldeen Sulemana guaranteed Ivan Jurić’s first victory as manager and set up a fourth-round home matchup with Burnley.

“Being back in the squad and getting to play for 30 minutes made me very, very happy. I believe it was crucial that we won, but for me, it was a great and satisfying conclusion to a battle with injuries.” Smallbone evaluated.

“It’s been a tough season for many ways but I think for myself to not be able to help, and to be a big part of last season to get us up, and to not try and help the team and the club more than anything to just try and change things around.

“It’s been very tough to sit on the sidelines and watch, but hopefully now everyone in 2025 will try and have a positive end to the season and positive year – myself personally and as a team, we’ll try our best to do that.”