Adkins Issues Sharp Statement

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins has stated to BBC Sport that Billy Sharp’s rather blunt start to life at St Mary’s is down to competition for places.

The striker joined the Saints from Doncaster for £2 million in January, or 873,362 Big Macs if you relate better to fast food, and has started just three matches, but could find himself in the unknown on Saturday – the starting line-up.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Adkins clarified the situation:

"Billy was the top man at Doncaster but he's joined us - there are good players here.

"He needs an opportunity to play but that's the competition we've got," said the Saints boss.

Despite Sharp’s lack of game time Adkins insists that the striker has settled in on the South coast, and given time, will get his chance:

"Billy for me is an outstanding goal-scorer and football player, and I know what he can do on the pitch.

"If Tadanari Lee hadn't been playing so well maybe Billy would have been starting more games, but we have competition for places and that's what we need so that everyone is working very hard,” stated Adkins.

Excusing the pun, the former Scunthorpe forward hopes to stay sharp and take his chance when it comes his way, he told BBC Radio Solent:

"I've been bought for a lot of money and I want to repay that, to say I've helped the club get promoted.

"The games I've started I've thought I've done OK, but I've been patient, I'll wait for my chance and hopefully I'll take it."

Sharp is currently behind Rickie Lambert, Guly Do Prado, Tadanari Lee and David Connolly in the rankings, but with Do Prado and Connolly both struggling with injury; Sharp may get his chance to prove himself to the on looking Southampton faithful, and begin to repay a hefty £2 million price tag.

@AlexOLoughlin18

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